Scottsdale man sentenced for stealing $23 million in YouTube music royalties

Published: Friday, July 7, 2023 - 2:43pm
Updated: Friday, July 7, 2023 - 4:01pm
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A Scottsdale man was sentenced in late June to nearly six years in prison in connection with what federal prosecutors say is one of the largest music-royalty scams ever committed.

Jose Teran pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

Teran was accused of using a Maryvale-based company to falsely claim he owned legal rights to more than 50,000 songs on YouTube.

Billboard magazine says the library included music by Latin artists such as Daddy Yankee and Julio Iglesias.

Teran’s co-defendant pleaded guilty months after they were indicted, and he reportedly gave key details of the criminal operation to federal officials.

Prosecutors say the scam netted roughly $23.4 million.

Court records say illegal income was spent on a home, jewelry and luxury vehicles.

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