OiNK’s Fucked, STS9’s Happy…Are You OK?

As we discussed earlier this morning, the popular file-sharing and questionably legal OiNK site came down when British and Dutch authorities arrested the alleged 24-year-old proprietor, who lives in Middlesbrough and whose fear of prosecution is probably growing bigger than hometown manager Gareth Southgate’s teeth.

So that guy’s dunzo, for sure. But are you safe? Is your identity known to authorities, and if it is, will the RIAA or the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry come after you? Well, a note on OiNK’s now-defunct site says you may be facing your worst nightmare: “A criminal investigation continues into the identities and activities of the site’s users.” TorrentFreak has more.

I’d doubt the authorities would have either the wherewithal or the bullocks to go for the gusto and track everyone down, but this is the Holy Grail of lists, the chance to scare everyone straight and hunt down the 180,000 worst offenders. It’s like shooting down Con Air. This alleged OiNK mastermind has nothing to offer except his ‘customers,’ and I wouldn’t be shocked if a massive, merciless legal campaign began in earnest this morning. Or not. Who the fuck knows? Thoughts?

• Previously on HT: Stop Stealing Food from STS9’s Children