EchoStar Communications Corp. and NagraStar announced on July 19 that a California satellite pirate had pleaded guilty to theft of satellite signals and trade secrets, both felony offenses.
Alexander Gluzman, a resident of the San Fernando Valley, admitted to distributing Dish Network satellite services and equipment throughout the United States and Canada. He was found in possession of devices used for unauthorized signal decryption and is expected to be arraigned on the charges on July 31 in a Los Angeles court. He faces a prison term of 15 years and a fine of more than $750,000 in addition to restitution.
The arrest came as the result of an extensive surveillance operation by EchoStar and NagraStar. Gluzman's activities were initially monitored in 2005 and evidence was produced that lead to an FBI search and seizure action on March 6, 2006.
Gluzman also admitted to obtaining and unlawfully distribution trade secrets and proprietary information from the satellite service provider.
The EchoStar and NagraStar investigation leading to the arrest of Gluzman is part of a widespread program to crack down on satellite service piracy operations.
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