Man arrested as filesharing website is shut down

A man has been arrested on fraud charges after the Serious Organised Crime Agency shut down a major music download website.

RnBXclusive.com was taken over by Soca earlier today, replacing the site's content with a warning that users may have committed a criminal offence and that their IP addresses had been recorded.

The arrested man has not been named, but police confirmed he has been bailed pending further enquiries.

The message told users that the majority of files available via the urban music website had been 'stolen from artists' and warned that those who downloaded them could face up to 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

It said: "Soca has the capability to monitor and investigate you and can inform your internet service provider of these infringements. You may be liable for prosecution and the fact that you have received this message does not preclude you from prosecution.

"As a result of illegal downloads, young, emerging artists may have had their careers damaged. If you have illegally downloaded music, you will have damaged the future of the music industry."

Rnbxclusive.com was used by a reported two million users per month and was largely funded by advertising

It is believed that the site has cost the music industry around £15million in lost revenue.

Last month MegaUpload.com - one of the world's biggest file-sharing sites - was shut down by police. Its eccentric owner, Kim Dotcom is being held in New Zealand having been denied bail as a flight risk.