This is having a serious detrimental effect on the legitimate theatrical business in Venezuela. Despite the high rate of video piracy, Venezuela's satellite and cable signal theft problems are even worse. Signal theft by private parabolic dish owners is widespread in Venezuela and, more significantly, is on the rise. The potential for a serious increase in signal theft and cable piracy is real. Reports indicate that the government is planning to conduct a public destruction of pirated product in Caracas on February 28, 1996.
Efforts are still underway to track down large duplicators and distributors of pirate product.
The recording industry conducted 35 enforcement actions last year, mostly against street vendors. The Caracas police department was the only government agency which was cooperative with these actions. Corruption and lack of interest among most government and enforcement officials stifle the potential to pursue anti-piracy activities. Judges are reluctant to order the destruction of seized tapes, as permitted under the law. In addition, criminal actions take three to four years to complete.