Police executed a search warrant at a residential Moe address last Thursday night with the assistance of the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft.

A Moe police spokesperson said the partnership gathered ``a significant amount of intelligence and information'' before executing the raid.

``Police located a sophisticated and elaborate DVD copying/burning and printing operation within the premises as well as in excess of 10,000 unauthorised copies of assorted DVDs, electronic games and pornographic DVDs,'' the police spokesperson said.

``A 50 year-old man from Moe is assisting police with enquiries in relation to the operation.''

The raid revealed 18 illegal DVD burners, five computers, seven printers, and illegal copies of films currently being shown in Australian cinemas.

The pirated DVDs were allegedly being sold locally for $5 each.

Federation executive director Neil Gane said movie piracy had become a ``highly profitable racket for criminals''.

``Movie piracy is not a victimless crime. It threatens community cinemas and DVD stores and the livelihoods of many Australians. Penalties for copyright crimes are up to $60,500 and/or five years jail per offence.''

Anyone with information is encouraged to phone the federation via its anti-piracy hotline on 1800251996, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800333000.