Peru. The Ministry of Transport and Communications, MTC, closed 14 illegal stations in various provinces of the Lima region, which stole the radio spectrum (frequencies) and operated on unauthorized frequencies.
As a result of these constant operations carried out by the General Directorate of Inspections and Sanctions in Communications (DGFSC), 42 pieces of equipment were seized from the 'pirate' broadcasters.
"The objective of the MTC is to strengthen the fight against these illegal activities, which not only involve a misuse of the radio spectrum, but also degrade the quality of the services that citizens receive and cause interference to other services such as aeronautical communication. In addition, in many cases, they constitute infringements of copyright and intellectual property, among others," said Patricia Díaz, director of the DGFSC.
The operations carried out between January 20 and 24, had the participation of the Public Ministry and the National Police of Peru, in the provinces of Cañete, Lima, Barranca and Huaral. The 14 illegal radio stations seized operated in the districts of Mala, Puente Piedra, Carabayllo, San Juan de Lurigancho, Supe, Chancay and Huaral.
"During this year, operations will be reinforced in the interior of the country, both in urban and rural areas, so we invoke citizens to report if they detect pirate radios, sending an email to [email protected] where the confidentiality of the case will be provided at the origin of the information," Patricia Díaz urged.
It is a crime
Operating a 'pirate' broadcasting station constitutes a criminal offence classified as aggravated theft of the radio spectrum and is punishable by deprivation of liberty for up to eight years, in addition to administrative fines. Likewise, those who hire advertisements in these broadcasters are subject to administrative fines, according to current regulations.
