Tien Phong Online Newspaper
TPO – Phu Tho Provincial Police have just initiated criminal proceedings against 5 defendants, including 3 company directors, for using cracking tools to disable copyright protection mechanisms and illegally installing Microsoft software on hundreds of computers, which were then sold to businesses and agencies for profit.
Phu Tho Provincial Police stated that they have opened 2 additional cases and prosecuted 5 defendants for the offense of “Infringement of copyright and related rights.” This is identified as the first case in the country to be criminally prosecuted for copyright infringement involving computer software.
Caption: Phu Tho Provincial Police opened 2 additional cases and prosecuted 5 defendants for the offense of “Infringement of copyright and related rights.”
The prosecuted defendants are: Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (born 1981, residing in Nong Trang Ward, Phu Tho Province, Director of Song Lam Trading and Services Co., Ltd.); Bui Dac Anh Duong (born 1990, residing in Phuc Loc Commune, Hanoi, Director of Athena Vietnam Information Systems Joint Stock Company); Dang Hung Cuong (born 1987, residing in Phu Dien Ward, Hanoi, Executive Director of Tech Solution Technology Solutions Co., Ltd.); and two technical staff, Nguyen Van Hung (born 1989, residing in Nong Trang Ward, Phu Tho Province) and Khuong Tien Minh (born 1990, residing in Phuc Loc Commune, Hanoi).
According to preliminary investigation results, the defendants used unauthorized activation tools (cracks) to disable the manufacturer’s copyright protection mechanisms. The group then illegally installed and used Microsoft software on computers and resold them to businesses, agencies, and organizations for profit.
Accordingly, from 2022 to 2026, the 3 prosecuted companies, namely Song Lam Trading and Services Co., Ltd., Athena Vietnam Information Systems Co., Ltd., and Tek-Solution Technology Solutions Co., Ltd., sold 13,956 computers to 509 agencies, organizations, and individuals nationwide, for a total of VND 181 billion.
In addition, Thanh Giong Media and Computer Joint Stock Company sold 53,000 computers to 730 agencies, businesses, and individuals nationwide, with total sales of VND 450 billion.
The investigating authority determined that the conduct caused direct damage to the copyright holder, Microsoft Corporation (United States).
Following this case, Phu Tho Provincial Police warned that using cracked or illegally activated software not only violates the law but also carries major information security risks.
Such pirated software is often embedded with malware, enabling cybercriminals to steal data, infringe on businesses’ trade secrets, and carry out high-tech fraud.
The case is currently being further investigated and expanded by Phu Tho Provincial Police.
Caption: Authorities search and inspect the computer systems at the violating enterprise.
Previously, as Tien Phong reported, through intelligence work, Phu Tho Provincial Police discovered that Song Lam Trading and Services Co., Ltd. (address: No. 2371, Group 92, Area 8, Nong Trang Ward, Phu Tho Province), directed by Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (born 1981), had supplied 81 computers to many businesses and units in the area.
Inspection showed that all of these computers came pre-installed with Windows and Microsoft Office using cracking tools and pirated keys.
Source: https://tienphong.vn/ba-giam-doc-doanh-nghiep-bi-khoi-to-vi-ban-may-tinh-cai-win-lau-post1859672.tpo
