Discs containing pirated cracked copies of Microsoft software being used for unauthorised duplication were raided by the police from the residence of an individual, allegedly carrying out illegal hard disk loading activities, and installing unlicensed copies of Microsoft software onto computers offered for sale.

Microsoft said in a statement the individual was advertising the sale of computer systems over the internet and suspicion of software piracy arose from the cheap prices being offered for computers inclusive of Microsoft software. The investigation is pending.

The police intervention, Microsoft said, was the first in Malta, whereby a target was identified and action taken on the basis of advertisements over the internet.

According to local legislation the unauthorised copying and distribution of computer programmes constitutes a copyright crime with maximum punishment of up to one year imprisonment and / or a fine of up to €11,646.87.

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