Two SaskTel managers from the Regina area are being investigated as part of a police probe into the theft and illegal sale of satellite television signals.

"We are fully co-operating with the police and agencies in their investigation," said SaskTel spokesperson Darcee McFarlane.

"This doesn't have anything to do with SaskTel's businesses or services. (The police probe) is actually (looking into) a suspected stealing of and illegally selling of satellite television signals. It has nothing to do with SaskTel's broadcast facilities. This isn't SaskTel's satellite signals that are under suspicion."

On Thursday, RCMP and city police executed a search warrant of a SaskTel business office in Regina where the two men were employed, as well as two private homes.

Investigators arrested the two men, who were subsequently released, during the course of the search and seized a number of items, including personal computers and other electronic equipment.

"No charges have been laid in this matter, which remains under investigation. Our investigators will look at the evidence that has been gathered and out of that charges may possibly be forthcoming," said RCMP Sgt. Carole Raymond.

McFarlane said she is not at liberty to discuss what action the Crown corporation will take on the unidentified employees' employment situation until management has met and discussed the matter with the two men.

Police launched their investigation in June, Raymond said. The investigation could be expanded to look at other individuals, she said.

If charged, the two men could face a number of offences, including modifying and selling equipment contrary to the Radio Communication Act, theft of satellite signals and possession of a device to obtain telecommunication facility or service under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Any person found guilty of such offences is liable to imprisonment for a maximum of two years.

"The theft of satellite television signals accounts for losses estimated at more than $300 million annually from the Canadian economy. So this is a serious matter that the RCMP border integrity unit and the Regina Police Service are dealing or trying to deal with," Raymond said.

"There has been no breach of SaskTel's access to personal data or information or anything like that. What we are looking at is the . . . signal that was used inappropriately or gained through unauthorized access. So no personal data or company equipment or system has been touched. The SaskTel system has not been compromised."
Source: Saskatoon The StarPhoenix

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