Editing Operation Fastlink (section)

{{Redirect|Fastlink|the proposed bus route in Glasgow|Clyde Fastlink}}
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{{Infobox law enforcement operation
 |name          = Operation Fastlink
 |codename      = 
 |partof        = [[Operation Higher Education]]
 |image         = 
 |image_upright = 
 |alt           = 
 |caption       = 
 |type          =
 |scope         =
 |planned_by    = [[U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI), [[U.S. Department of Justice]] (DOJ), Interpol
 |initiated_by  = United States
 |executed_by   =.United States, Interpol
 |country_names =  [[Belgium]], [[Denmark]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Israel]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Singapore]], [[Sweden]], as well as the [[United Kingdom]]
 |countries_number = 12
 |objective     = 
 |method        =

 |target        = 
 |date_begin    = after 2004
 |date_end      = before 2007
 |duration      =  
 |date_executed        = <!-- {{date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}} --> 
 |suspects_number      = 
 |arrested_number      = 120
 |indictments_number   =
 |complaints_number    = 
 |information_number   =
 |convictions_number   = 60
 |convictions_appealed = 
 |other_appeals_number = 
 |misc_results        =
 
 |initial_budget       =
 |final_cost           = 
}}
'''Operation Fastlink''' is a coordination of four separate, simultaneous [[sting operation|undercover investigations]] by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI) Cyber Division, the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]], the Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) of the Criminal Division and [[Interpol]]. The four different investigations have not been publicly enumerated, but the [[United States Department of Justice|U.S. Department of Justice]] has said in at least one press release that "Operation Higher Education" is the largest component, with participation from twelve nations. Mention has also been made of an investigation into pre-release music groups led by FBI agents from the Washington Field Office. As of March 6, 2009, the FBI states that Operation Fastlink has yielded 60 convictions. The raids occurred in similar fashion to those from [[Operation Buccaneer]] and [[Operation Site Down]]. Other somewhat-related law enforcement actions include Operation Gridlock and [[Operation D-Elite]].

The operation led to the successful busts of nearly 100 individuals involved in [[copyright infringement|illegal copying of copyrighted software]], and alterations thereof, worldwide. There were around 120 total searches executed in 27 American states and in 10 foreign countries. Foreign searches were conducted in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, as well as the United Kingdom.

Among the prolific [[warez]] release groups targeted by Fastlink were [[Fairlight (group)|Fairlight]], [[Kalisto (warez group)|Kalisto]], [[Echelon (warez)|Echelon]], [[Class (warez)|Class]], and DEViANCE—all of which specialized in spreading unlicensed copies of computer and console video games. Recent convictions have included members of music release groups [[Apocalypse Production Crew]] and Chromance.