Brazilian law enforcement authorities have launched Operation Redirect

27 August 2024 - Press release

Brazilian law enforcement authorities have launched Operation Redirect; an initiative aimed at tackling illegal online music services, supported by IFPI and Pro-Música Brasil. 

Operation Redirect is the first operation of its kind in Brazil to target illegal sites associated with malware distribution. It has already resulted in the identification and deactivation of eight sites that were sharing unauthorised music whilst exposing users to malware and viruses. 

This first iteration of the operation targeted a range of infringing websites that collectively received over 12 million visits in Brazil in the last year.  They include illegal linking music sites, Stream ripping sites and Torrent search engines.  

The operation was carried out by The Ministry of Justice and Public Security, through the Cyber Operations Laboratory (CIBERLAB) of the Directorate of Integrated Operations and Intelligence (DIOPI / SENASP), in partnership with the Civil Police of Bahia, Mato Grosso and Pernambuco. 

Operation Redirect is part of an ongoing effort in Brazil to protect the rights of artists, composers and music producers, as well as to ensure that music fans can access content online legally and safely. 

Commenting on the operation, Victoria Oakley, CEO, IFPI said: “Operation Redirect is an important step forward in our work to protect music in Brazil from being shared illegally online. It wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of The Ministry of Justice and Public Security and Brazilian law enforcement. Finding and stopping these illegal online services is vital to protecting the careers of Brazilian artists and to the online safety of Brazilian music fans.” 

Paulo Rosa, President, Pro-Música Brasil, said: “This is another important operation which benefits creators and producers of music, as well as the Brazilian population vulnerable to malware distribution. We thank CIBERLAB and all authorities involved for their hard work.”