International Newsline...

A major Moscow-based CD-manufacturing plant has signed a ground-breaking anti-piracy agreement with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The plant, RMG, signed the agreement after it was found to have manufactured more than 33,500 pirate CD-ROMs during 2000, including MP3 albums by Oasis, Björk, UFO, Guano Apes, and AC/DC. The discs were distributed within Russia and exported to Ukraine and the U.S. RMG has agreed to implement strict new internal procedures to avoid processing pirate orders in the future, as well as to pay compensation to the IFPI. The agreement is the first of its kind in Russia. TOM FERGUSON



MTV Networks Asia executive VP/managing director for North Asia Harry Hui has left the company. The company's operations in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea will now be overseen by Charles Chau, senior VP of network strategy/managing director for North Asia. Hong Kong-based Chau retains his existing responsibilities for strategy and business development across the region. He reports to MTV Networks Asia president Frank Brown. It is understood that Hui is set to take another high-profile position in the Asian music industry. STEVE McCLURE



London-based Sanctuary Group has acquired classical/jazz label Black Box for £300,000 ($434,000). Sanctuary says the transaction will enhance ASV, its own primarily classical label. Chris Craker, founder/artistic principal of London-based Black Box, will retain artistic management of the label and work closely with Richard Harrison, managing director of ASV. Black Box currently has a catalog of some 75 albums, including material by composers Mark Anthony Turnage, Steve Martland, Dave Heath, and Michael Nyman. Sanctuary also intends to take advantage of Craker's contacts in TV, publishing, and the media to help develop licensing opportunities for its extensive music catalog.

GORDON MASSON



Luciano Pavarotti has been acquitted of tax evasion following a one-month trial in his hometown of Modena, Italy. The opera star, who had been accused of owing the government $18 million for income earned during 1989-95, faced a nominal 18-month prison sentence (Billboard Bulletin, May 17). The trial revolved around the issue of residence: Pavarotti is a resident of Monaco, a tax haven, but the prosecution's case centered on the fact that the singer has a luxury home and numerous business interests in Modena. Pavarotti was not in court for the reading of the sentence. In a statement, he described the verdict as "a triumph for justice."

MARK WORDEN