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US, China Bust Huge Software Piracy Ring

Steven Parker   on 26 July 2007 - 10:54 · 10 comments & 3975 views

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Raids in the southern region of China have exposed a 2 billion dollar global software piracy syndicate, believed to be one of the largest in the world.

The FBI and China's Public Security Bureau led the investigation. Microsoft, as well as its customers and partners, also assisted in providing information, which led to the arrests and confiscation of the software of those involved. The group's power was far-reaching -- software produced by it was found across five continents and 26 countries. 13 different products in at least eight languages were pirated, including Office 2007 and Windows Vista.

Investigators were able to trace about 55,000 quality copies of the software back to the group. However, the discs seized through raids represent only about 1 percent of the estimated output of the syndicate.

"This case should serve as a wake-up call to counterfeiters," Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith said. "Customers around the world are turning you in, governments and law enforcement have had enough, and private companies will act decisively to protect intellectual property." Microsoft said that countries around the world will likely see a significant decrease in the amount of pirated software as a result of its actions.

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#1 C_Guy on 26 Jul 2007 - 14:36
Another victory!
#2 ThaCrip on 26 Jul 2007 - 14:58
yeah screw those people who sell stuff like this for mass profits! ... im glad they got busted.
#3 vetL3thal on 26 Jul 2007 - 16:27
Glad China is working with the FBI. However, unless the FBI asks for cooperation, I am quite sure the Chinese government would just ignore the counterfeiting.

(2 replies) #4 redFX on 26 Jul 2007 - 16:33
Interesting, but why the FBI? Doesn't the CIA handle things if it involves international areas?
#4.1 toadeater on 26 Jul 2007 - 21:06
Quote - (redFX said @ #4)
Interesting, but why the FBI? Doesn't the CIA handle things if it involves international areas?


No, the CIA assassinates people and promotes terrorism for "regime change" and profit. The FBI handles law enforcement.
#4.2 IRONCHEFARU on 27 Jul 2007 - 01:54
Quote - (toadeater said @ #4.1)
Quote - (redFX said @ #4)
Interesting, but why the FBI? Doesn't the CIA handle things if it involves international areas?


No, the CIA assassinates people and promotes terrorism for "regime change" and profit. The FBI handles law enforcement.


hahaha, sadly that's true.... oh america
#5 8-n-1 on 26 Jul 2007 - 19:22
Now if they could only ensure that the food we receive from China is safe...
(2 replies) #6 Croquant on 26 Jul 2007 - 23:45
1 piracy ring down, 436,203,734,548 to go.
Good luck with that.
#6.1 Snooza on 27 Jul 2007 - 03:20
Quote - (Croquant said @ #6)
1 piracy ring down, 436,203,734,548 to go.
Good luck with that.


#6.2 EduardValencia on 28 Jul 2007 - 15:27
yeah,america should reduce at maximum china's imports

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