Record label group signs ATF chief

The Recording Industry Association of America () said Tuesday that it had hired the director of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to head its antipiracy operations. Bradley Buckles will oversee the record label trade group's relationships with law enforcement agencies, which often help the organization target large-scale counterfeiting or commercial CD-burning operations, in addition to helping with operations against Internet piracy, which have received more attention in recent years.

"Brad's appointment should signal to everyone that we continue to take piracy, here and throughout the world, very seriously," RIAA CEO Mitch Bainwol said in a statement. "Piracy is becoming an increasingly sophisticated and lucrative criminal venture."