Bust nets sellers of chips that enable pirated games

In the largest bust of its kind, federal agents raided residences and stores suspected of selling devices that let video gamers play pirated games.

Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acted on 32 search warrants in 16 states, the agency said Wednesday. The raid was the largest such action targeting this specific technology, it said.

They were looking for modification chips and circumvention devices that let players of the leading game consoles use pirated or counterfeit software. The devices work with Sony's PlayStation 2, Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360, and Nintendo's Wii.

The homes and stores were affiliated with people that the federal agents suspect are involved with importing, installing, and selling the devices, which are made outside of the United States and smuggled into the country. The devices violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998.

The raids come after a year-long investigation into the activity.

In a statement, Microsoft applauded the authorities for their efforts to help reduce piracy and protect the intellectual property of Microsoft and others.

Convicted pirates can get jail time. In late March, Don Perreira was sentenced to four months in jail, four months of home detention, and three years of supervised release for selling modified Xbox consoles that were loaded with pirated video games.

Another suspect of a similar practice was arrested in San Diego last month. He faces 10 counts of felony-level offenses.