Piracy Accounts For 68% Of Software Used In Romania – Report

Police inspectors in almost all Romanian counties checked the activity of individuals and companies regarding the use of bootleg computer software and the distribution of pirated software.

Thus, by the end of August there were over 300 inspections organized in companies using such computer software and over 55 inspections involving distribution of pirated software. Police said 26,000 optic discs suspected of being bootleg products were seized during these inspections.

The director of the Fraud Investigation Department, Dan Bucur, said in 2007 the level of imports, national production and trade of pirated software was approximately constant, with dire consequences for producers and the national budget.

Bucur said the development of specialized bootleg networks was influenced by the high potential of the Romanian market and opportunities resulting from transit on Romanian soil.

Regarding the number of trials resulting from software piracy, prosecutor Monica Pop said between 2006 and 2008 178 defendants were sent to trial, in 151 cases.

The campaign for the fight against possession, use and trade of bootleg materials involved inspections in medium sized and even large companies unfolding activities using licensed software.

Inspections revealed breaches in several counties, the total value of pirated software reaching over EUR700,000.