Brazilian authorities execute anti-streaming manipulation Operation Out of Tune

26 March 2025 - Press release

Individual arrested after uploading more than 400 fake tracks to DSPs

  

Following an operation supported by IFPI, Pro-Música Brasil, and Brazilian anti-piracy body Association for the Protection of Phonographic Intellectual Rights (APDIF), an individual responsible for generating more than 28 million fake plays on streaming services has been arrested and charged. 

Part of Operation Out of Tune, the arrest was made in December 2024 by the Prosecutor’s Office of the State of Goias cybercrime unit, Cyber Gaeco. The individual – who was responsible for uploading more than 400 fake tracks to Spotify and generating over 28 million fake plays – had made over US$65K from the activity and over US$400k in assets were seized by authorities.

The investigation also uncovered further copyright infringement, with 36 tracks stolen from local composers via promotional WhatsApp groups. These tracks, along with associated fake artist profiles, have been removed from the platform by request of the prosecutor’s office. While not presently included in the criminal charges, the use of artificial intelligence to generate music tracks was also identified during the investigation and may be brought into the case at a later stage.  Generative AI is emerging as a tool which can be used by bad actors to create large volumes of content for the purpose of streaming manipulation.

Victoria Oakley, CEO, IFPI, said: “Simply put, streaming manipulation of this nature is theft – stealing directly from artists and betraying fans. We commend the actions of the State of Goiás prosecutor’s cybercrime unit for their work in this case and will continue to work closely with local authorities in Brazil, but more broadly across the world, to ensure this illegal activity is stopped.”

Paulo Rosa, President, Pro-Música Brasil, said: “Stream manipulation is one of the biggest concerns of the music sector. We applaud the Public Attorney’s Office of the state of Goiás for this successful operation and will continue to work closely with Brazilian authorities to tackle these fraudulent practices”.