Uberaba records the largest seizure of pirated computer programs

Throughout the month, police authorities approached several computer resellers that sell pirated software

 

Last Monday (March 31), agents from the Police Station Attached to the Special Criminal Court of Uberaba (MG) carried out a search and seizure action against computer resellers, suspected of selling false copies of computer programs. The operation, which had the logistical support of the Brazilian Association of Software Companies (ABES), took place under the command of delegate Dr. Sandra Mara Wazir Arantes.

During the month of March, authorities from different regions of Brazil conducted actions to combat software piracy. The apprehension of Uberaba was the largest recorded in the period, totaling 359 illegal CDs and DVDs. During this period, the municipalities of Londrina (PR), Rolândia (PR), Cambé (PR), Limeira (SP), Araraquara (SP), Passo Fundo (RS), Porto Alegre (RS) and Chapecó (SC) were also approached. ).

 “The major concern is the ability to reproduce these products, which often contain malware, which are malicious codes that can endanger user data. In many cases, these stores also sell computers with pirated software already installed, without the consumer suspecting that he is being harmed”, highlights Jorge Sukarie, President of ABES.

This information is proven in the IDC study, released in March, which showed that in Brazil, 47% of computers purchased at IT resellers are already pre-infected with malware, including Trojans and other powerful viruses.

Thinking about protecting users, ABES together with BSA – The Software Alliance maintains the Software Piracy Complaint Portal. “Whenever the customer suspects the origin of the computer programs offered in these stores, he can file an anonymous complaint through the portal, available at the electronic address http://www.denunciopirataria.org/. If you prefer, you can also download the Portal application, available on Android and IOS platforms”, emphasizes Sukarie.

In addition to losses for customers, these stores are subject to penalties for selling pirated software. “By infringing copyright, these computer resellers promote unfair competition in the market in which they operate. In addition, they can respond criminally with a penalty that can vary from six months to two years in prison or be fined with amounts that reach 3,000 times the price of each program used or reproduced”, highlights Sukarie.