Member of Apocalypse Production Crew Convicted of Conspiracy

Barry Gitarts, a member of the Internet music piracy group Apocalypse Production Crew (APC), was convicted by a jury in the Eastern District of Virginia for conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. He faces up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release as being required to make full restitution.

Evidences presented during the trial showed that Gitarts, known as “Dextro,” paid for and administered a computer server located in Texas where APC members used to upload and download hundreds of thousands of copies of pirated music, movies, software, and video games.

The case is part of an ongoing crackdown against organized piracy groups. Gitarts will face sentencing on August 8 this year.