AFP to investigate piracy, porn allegations at EDS

EDS admitted that it was investigating the activities of its employees at a Sydney-based Commonwealth Bank data centre in July shortly after a dramatic account of security staff swooping onto the facility to conduct a surprise raid leaked to the media.

The company today said it had referred the matter to the AFP. A spokesperson for EDS said the company had provided the AFP with a brief of evidence on the incident but declined to comment on its contents and whether charges may be laid against anyone in connection with the matter.

"All I can say is that we've provided a brief of evidence to them so its up to them to take the next step," said the spokesperson.

The account of the raids that leaked to the media in July contained allegations that staff at the facility used equipment owned by EDS to support a software piracy and pornography distribution ring.

It is alleged that staff downloaded pirate copies of games and other illicit material.

It is understood that EDS security staff seized servers and other computer equipment as result of the raids.

The AFP was unable to comment on this report in time for publication.

At the time of the raids, Commonwealth Bank general manager, media and community, Bryan Fitzgerald said that the activities did not involve access to the bank records and information.

EDS is in the midst of a 10-year outsourcing deal with the Commonwealth Bank, worth around AU$1 billion.

The agreement spans mainframe, midrange, desktop and Internet support, application development, technical education, management consulting and technology planning.