Andre Yoskowitz
11 Sep 2008 17:37
Almost one year after authorities shut down the private torrent tracker OiNK, the site's administrators and a few alleged uploaders have been charged, putting an end to the year-long investigation.
Alan Ellis, the administrator, was charged with “conspiracy to defraud” and the uploaders were charged with copyright infringement for the unauthorized upload of one CD.
To give some back story on the situation, in addition to the administrator, five men and one woman were arrested for uploading music to OiNK and since their arrest they have been in questioning and required to provide DNA samples. Within two months, two were released from investigation and not charged but it appears the rest are not as lucky. Each was charged with infringement for the unauthorized upload of one CD.
In an interview with TorrentFreak, one of the charged uploaders said he is being made into an example for other uploaders. "I think it’s a sledgehammer to crack a walnut,” he added.
There was no official word from the BPI but we will keep you updated.