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A Chinese software piracy ring, which has distributed an estimated $2 billion worth of fake software has been smashed in a raid by the FBI.

The FBI seized over 290,000 fake cd’s worth over $500 million, and the FBI and China’s Public Security Bureau have arrested 25 people during this two week anti piracy operation.

The raid, dubbed Operation Summer Solstice is reported to be the biggest ever world wide, and the FBI has said that they had been working to net this gang for a couple of years.

The majority of the software seized included 13 versions of Microsoft’s most popular programs including Windows Vista, XP, Server and Office.

The gang sold versions of these programs in eight languages including Croatian and Dutch.

In a statement Microsoft said vital information that helped to track down the pirates came from its Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) scheme.

Microsoft said information gathered by WGA from more than 1,000 fake copies produced by the counterfeiters and sold around the world helped law enforcement agencies home in on the pirates. Fake software produced by the group was found in 27 countries.

“Countries around the world are expected to experience a significant decrease in the volume of counterfeit software as a direct result of this action,” said Microsoft in its statement.

Via BBC

Picture Source: Digital Lifestyles