Local software pirate caught in sting operation
A Chinese national currently studying at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is facing criminal charges, expulsion and deportation from the country after being caught selling computers loaded with illegal software.
Zhu Li (28) was arrested in the parking lot at the DUT on 16 July after attempting to sell a computer loaded with pirated Microsoft Office and Windows Vista software to an investigating officer from the SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit.
After a search of his workplace, a second Q Book laptop computer and two computer disks were seized. Mr. Li, who has no fixed place of residence, had been living in his work space on the campus.
He appeared in court on 17 July and was released on bail.
“Mr. Li had been distributing pamphlets on campus offering Q Book computers for sale with software already loaded,” said Charl Everton, the anti-piracy manager at Microsoft South Africa.
Charl Potgieter of legal firm Bowman Gilfillan said the real victims were the unsuspecting students and consumers who purchased the fake goods, expecting a quality product.
“Any action that is taken against rogue resellers like Mr. Li prevents the funding of more serious crime, particularly as the high quality counterfeit is produced and distributed by international organised criminal syndicates,” he said.
At a seminar in Durban last month, US consul-general Jill Dederian told 100 law enforcement officers that South African businesses lose an estimated R600 million a year due to the trade in counterfeit goods. Between April and December 2008, more than R9 million worth of counterfeit goods were seized in various raids.
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