China has launched a major anti-piracy campaign throughout the country to crack down on illegal reproduction of copyrighted material.

The campaign, to last till the end of October, is aimed at bringing those involved in such illegal activities to justice.

The ministry of public security earlier in the week issued a notice to police outfits all over the country, asking them to investigate and uncover illegal DVD production lines and arrest heads of gangs engaged in illegal reproduction of DVDs and books.

Police will intensify patrol and examination at railway stations, bus stops, harbours and airports searching for clues on pirated materials production, transportation and sales.

Police will also strengthen management of rented houses and apartments to prevent them from being used for producing or storing pirated DVDs or books.

Chinese law provides that a peddler will be sentenced to three to seven years behind bars he has sold 5,000 or more pirated DVDs.

The public security ministry had July 19 issued nationwide arrest warrants for two people wanted in connection with marketing of pirated DVDs and promised an award of 10,000 yuan for any informant who leads to their arrests.