This is applicable to both civil and criminal. For example, I’ve been pirating for over 26 years. I can’t be sued by anyone for the pirating I’ve done for 23 of those years, only for the past 3 years that I’ve pirated.
If anyone tries to scare you about how you’ll be caught for your past pirating activities, don’t be.
You’re just stating untrue shit. You absolutely can be charged for shit you pirated 26 years ago if you still have copies and someone is willing to press charges for you owning them.