A police investigation has been launched into suspected fraud at UK music collection society PPL after discovering suspicious activity on multiple member accounts. One staff member has been dismissed following an internal investigation earlier this year.

The suspected fraud reportedly involved individuals posing as unregistered recording artists to fraudulently claim royalties. The scheme was uncovered when legitimate artists attempted to register as PPL members. Industry sources indicate the fraud may have occurred between 2016-2023, with fraudulent transactions totaling approximately £500,000 ($625,000).

PPL, the UK's second-largest collecting society, licenses recorded music on behalf of labels and artists to broadcasters, bars, nightclubs, stores, and offices. The organization maintains over 110 neighboring rights agreements with international CMOs, including SoundExchange and AARC in the United States.

In 2023, PPL reported:

• Record annual revenue of £285 million ($356 million)
• Q4 distribution of £45.3 million ($57.5 million), slightly down from previous year

The organization has declined to comment while The Metropolitan Police's criminal investigation is ongoing. This investigation comes as PPL faces multiple lawsuits regarding alleged fraudulent activity and copyright infringement.

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