Regarding the pirating accusation - Just had a quick look on Ebay and the seller (UK-Navi-Expert) has had an account since April 2007 with 100% positive feedback. I have purchased two map updates in the past and have been very impressed with the customer service recieved.
I have no knowledge of how the UK police prioritise different types of crime, but I would imagine if the seller was doing something illegal, they would not have been able to provide pirated unlock codes for the last 17 years with no consequensces.
I have no idea who UK-Navi-Expert are, or how they source the PIN codes that they sell.
I was explaining what 'pirated' maps are, and how they are obtained.
How would you identify a seller who sells pirated PIN codes? Well, to start with, anyone selling these PIN codes for a fraction of what MB sells them, is almost certainly selling pirated codes.
As for prosecution, copyright theft is a type of offence where the CPS provides support for prosecution but they will not initiate it. This is simply because the copyright owner needs to make a complaint before the police, Trading Standards, andthe CPS can take action. What typically happens in these cases, is that the copyright owner will gather evidence then submit it to Trading Standards, who will then decide whether to start an investigation.
So as long as MB do not do anything about it, then nothing will be done by the police, Trading Standards, or the CPS. Why MB are not taking action is anyone's guess.
To clarify, I am not getting on my high horse, and as far as I am concerned, everyone can do as they please. I am simply trying to explain the machnism and legalities (to my best understanding) behind this issue.