Once Were Nerd, an Italian YouTuber, is under investigation by the Guardia di Finanza for alleged violations of Italian copyright law related to his reviews of third-party gaming handhelds. During the investigation, law enforcement seized his phone and over 30 handheld gaming systems. The scrutiny involves devices from manufacturers like Anbernic and GoRetroid, which often include unauthorized ROMs of games from companies such as Sony and Nintendo. Once Were Nerd contends that he was not promoting these devices intentionally and asserts the impartiality of his reviews. Potential charges could result in significant fines and jail time.
The YouTuber revealed on his channel, as reported by Insider Gaming, that he is being investigated by the Guardia di Finanza, a law enforcement agency under Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance. Armed with a search warrant, the agency seized his phone, as well as over 30 handheld gaming systems.
The concerns center around third-party handhelds Once Were Nerd has reviewed on his channel, by manufacturers such as Anbernic and GoRetroid. The handhelds often ship with unauthorized ROMs of various retro games originally published by companies like Sony and Nintendo.
Once Were Nerd disputes that he was promoting the devices, saying that none of his material was sponsored by the console manufacturers, and that he is simply providing impartial reviews of available products.
If officially charged, Once Were Nerd could face fines of up to 30 million Italian Lira and up to three years of jail time, as well as the threat of having all his channels shut down by the authorities.
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