The Motion Picture Association of America is offering a $1,000 reward for tips that help shut down the production and sale of counterfeit discs.
Chow said local gangs control the sale of counterfeit DVDs and anyone who buys one is funding gang activity, including the purchase of guns and drugs.
L.A. City Councilmember Jan Perry said gangs get minors to sell the DVDs because it's a misdemeanor for them if they're caught with less than 100 pieces.
"When you buy a DVD, you're preying on not only a community, you're preying on young people and bringing them in to criminal activity," Perry said.
Anyone with information about the illegal production and distribution of DVDs is urged to call a special tip line at (213) 741-2661.
