promo CDs

A London-based DJ is thought to be the first person prosecuted in the UK for selling promotional CDs.

According to a Digital Media Wire report:

A London-based DJ and music critic has been arrested on suspicion of theft and money laundering in connection with his alleged selling of 150 pre-release albums on eBay, according to a statement from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), a record label trade group.

The case involves the alleged sale of promotional or review copies of albums from artists including Kelly Rowland, Foals and Grand National before their official release dates.

“People who have access to pre-release music by virtue of their job, and who sell or distribute it illegally, should note that record companies, large and small, are taking a zero tolerance approach to such activity. We will notify the police of their actions and we expect the police will take such a crime very seriously,” said John Kennedy, chairman and CEO of IFPI.

I know that the music industry has its share of troubles – but don’t you think that the police have more important things to do with their time than busting DJ’s for selling promo CDs? Read more…