The British Asian music industry was caught up in rumours and speculation yesterday following news of raids at Asian music shops aimed at a particular music album.

Conducted by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), they intended to stop the sale and distribution of the album Authorised by DJ Sanj (pictured).

The news is significant because it is the first such raid by the recorded music industry body targeting the use of uncleared music samples and vocals in Asian music. Speculation is rife on how the move is likely to impact the Asian music industry.

One prominent DJ, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the practice was far more widespread in the industry than most would care to admit. "People have always taken beats without clearing the samples... but now they are actually taking vocals. They are taking it to the next level."

He said there were also instances of videos being played on Asian music channels that blatantly featured vocals by singers such as Blu-Cantrell, Sean Paul and others - all uncleared.

"The assumption was that the mainstream labels do not care." The raids have now changed all that.

The BPI confirmed it was investigating complaints by some of its members surrounding the remix album, released by Bootleg Recordings and distributed by the Birmingham based Hi Tech Music label.

BPI Director of Anti-Piracy David Martin said: "We believe that this remix album uses lengthy samples of our members' sound recordings without permission."

He added: "Of course we take every complaint we receive in relation to our members’ rights very seriously, and we are investigating the situation."

Hi Tech Music was given until close of business yesterday to respond to the concerns raised by the BPI. It is possible the industry body will launch legal action to prevent further sales of the recording if it feels that its members' rights were infringed upon.

"The heat is more on the label than artists," said one industry source, adding that Bootleg Recordings was linked to a well known Asian music label that used the alternative name for remixed music.

DJ Sanj himself was unavailable for comment but was linked until very recently with the BBC Asian Network. AiM reported a few weeks ago that he was on the verge of being signed to a one year deal as a presenter on a weekend show.

However, a source at the radio station told AiM that an agreement could not be reached at the last minute because of "a conflict of interest". It was felt that his music career could unfairly compromise his position at the station as an independent DJ.

A spokesperson for the Asian Network told AiM that the relationship between the two parties had finished prior to the raid.

The BPI estimates that up to 40% of the Asian music industry is plagued by similar issues including piracy.

But with remixed Asian music, a strong end of the market, it remains to be seen if the practice will disappear.