On June 11, police in Phu Tho Province announced that investigators had formally initiated criminal proceedings for copyright and related rights infringement.

Authorities simultaneously carried out urgent searches at five locations in Hanoi and Phu Tho linked to companies specializing in computer sales and software installation.

According to provincial police, this is the first criminal case in Vietnam involving the unauthorized use of copyrighted computer software.

Hundreds of computers supplied with pirated software

Investigators said the illegal use of copyrighted software products - particularly Microsoft Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications - remains widespread.

Offenders frequently exploit websites, online forums and e-commerce platforms to buy, sell and distribute unauthorized activation tools, including cracked software, illegal product keys and activators designed to bypass software protection mechanisms.

During an investigation, the Economic Police Division of Phu Tho Provincial Police discovered that Song Lam Trading and Services Co., Ltd. had supplied 81 computers to various businesses and organizations in the province.

The company, headquartered in Nong Trang Ward, Phu Tho Province, is led by director Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, born in 1981.

Inspections found that all of the computers had been pre-installed with Windows and Microsoft Office software activated through unauthorized licensing tools.

A subsequent investigation at an educational institution uncovered another 350 computers showing similar signs of copyright violations.

The machines had been supplied by two Hanoi-based companies: Athena Vietnam Information Systems Co., Ltd. and Tek-Solution Technology Solutions Co., Ltd., both headquartered in Thanh Xuan District.

Estimated damages reach tens of billions of dong

Investigators noted that legitimate licenses for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office currently range from VND4 million to VND9 million ($153-$345) per computer.

With hundreds of infringing computers identified, direct losses to intellectual property rights holders are estimated to amount to tens of billions of dong.

Authorities said the violations extend beyond financial damages.

Illegal software use undermines research and development activities, weakens intellectual property protection and negatively affects fair competition in the marketplace.

Phu Tho police also warned of serious cybersecurity risks associated with pirated software.

Computers running illegally activated software are particularly vulnerable to malware, spyware and other malicious programs. Such vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers to launch cyberattacks, steal sensitive information and compromise data belonging to government agencies, businesses, organizations and individuals.

Investigators are continuing to expand the probe and determine the full scope of the case.

Duc Phong