JOE FRANCIS, the founder of 'Girls Gone Wild' is threatening criminal and civil action if a sex-tape of himself and girlfriend Abbey Wilson appears online. The video was saved on an iPad belonging to his girlfriend that was stolen at LAX airport a few weeks ago. It is said to be professional quality, reports TMZ.com.

"I'm a connoisseur of pornography," Francis said. "I'm Steven Spielberg when it comes to this." On a serious note, the tycoon - recently convicted of assault and false imprisonment - says he is confident the police will arrest the thief and is adamant he will take the matter further. His lawyer David Houston said, "It is not only unfortunate, but it is a crime. As such, this office will take all necessary steps to determine who in fact has done this and who is attempting to distribute the video," adding that they've already contacted the authorities and issued a stern warning to the culprit, "When we catch you, we will see that you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of both the criminal and civil laws."

Francis and girlfriend Wilson are set to appear on a new VH1 reality show 'Couple's Therapy,' debuting on June 12. On speculation that the tape could be a stunt, Francis said "We will never sign a release. You will never see this tape. This is not a publicity stunt," Francis said. "I just want my property returned to me and for this criminal to be arrested and prosecuted."

Joe FrancisJoe Francis and Heather McDonald At A Book Launch

Joe Francis
Joe Francis With, Err, Another Woman