Joint anti-piracy operations have resulted in the arrest of three illegal traders and confiscation of various counterfeit items during separate raids in Sharjah.

The raids were initiated by Microsoft, a Business Software Alliance (BSA) member.

A combined team of anti-piracy operatives and UAE authorities seized nearly 100 assorted pirated CDs and three personal computers installed with illegally downloaded software during the surprise operations.

'The only way to deter the proliferation of these unlawful elements is through a compelling show of force. Our efforts are also a way of encouraging consumers to deal only with resellers offering genuine software as doing otherwise would be tantamount to supporting these criminals,' said director of Censorship Department, Dubai Government, Juma Al Leem.

By keeping the industry free of illegal software distribution, we are encouraging more foreign investments and consequently generating new wealth for the economy,' he added.

Three Indian nationals working at the reseller outlets were immediately apprehended upon confirmation that the items sold were counterfeit. The suspects are now facing criminal prosecution.

BSA - the international association established by the software industry to promote a safe and legal digital world - has also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Economy, which is considered to be the first agreement of its kind in an economy in the region.Trade Arabia News Service