Two Americans today were found guilty in Shanghai's No. 2 District Court of creating and selling counterfeit DVDs to customers around the globe.

In addition to being deported after their sentences in China are served, Randy Guthrie has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison and fined US$60500, and Abram Thrush has been sentenced to one year in prison and fined US$1200. Both Americans will be deported after serving their sentences in China.

The convictions of the two ended a three-year investigation by American and Chinese law enforcement agencies. The US-based Motion Picture Association of America also took part in the investigation.

The Chinese police seized 119000 counterfeit DVDs when they raided the duo's warehouse last year.

It is unclear whether the Americans will appeal the court's decision.