Federal authorities have busted a major Internet music piracy group that ripped off thousands of songs from popular artists such as Jay-Z, Eminem and U2, according to an indictment.

Among those charged was Adil R. Cassim, the alleged leader of the group known as Rabid Neurosis. He and others conspired to copy and release songs, often before the production companies had put them on the market, the indictment said.