ELSPA assists in UK mod-chip conviction

Assistance from investigators at the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association has resulted in the extension of a prison sentence for a British man convicted of handling stolen goods.

Following a police raid on his shop, DH Wings, Essex resident David Hoang was arrested on 23rd February for handling stolen goods and ELSPA was called in to provide evidence at his court trial after the accused pleaded not guilty to additional charges of chipping offences.

"We're pleased we could assist in this case," commented Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA. "The modification of games consoles, more commonly known as 'chipping', is a criminal offence and so is the possession of modified chips. The successful resolution of this case highlights the very real threat of prosecution and a criminal record to anyone tempted to become involved."

As a result of the input from ELSPA investigators, Mr Hoang's sentence was extended by a month, bringing the total term to eighteen months in prison.

Publishers have long contested the use of console mod chips, which are generally billed as a tool for allowing hardcore gamers access region encoded import titles that may be delayed or never released in the West, but clearly offer the added, illegal functionality of playing pirated software.

In the UK, 'chipping' is currently an illegal practice. ELSPA argues that this particular case further highlights the gravity of the situation, and the determination of both trade bodies and police officials to trace and fully prosecute offenders.

Next-generation consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PS3 will further negate the plausibility of using mod chips to play imported games, thanks to region free coding on software. However, publishers will still have the option to lock titles to specific regions, to maintain a staggered launch strategy, for example, which means the availability and use of mod chips is unlikely to disappear, despite the re-enforced risk of legal prosecution.