Asia's first Web site CD-ROM pirate has been shut down in Hong Kong. On August 15, Sammy Sam Ka-chi, owner of Sammy Game Centre Web site, acknowledged he was dealing in unauthorised software and signed a public apology, which was then distributed by the Business Software Alliance and the Alliance Against CD-ROM Theft. 'This case highlights the need for copyright owners and Internet service providers [ISPs] to work together to stamp out this type of piracy,' Valerie Colbourn, Software Alliance vice-president, said. 'In this case, Sammy Game Centre was openly offering a wide range of illegal software products by mail order in flagrant disregard of Hong Kong's laws.' Baker & McKenzie, solicitors for both alliances, sent letters to ISPs and Sam's bankers, which warned ISPs may be held liable if Sam's Web site appeared through their services. Sam's bankers were notified that he may use some bank accounts to receive illegal proceeds from the sale of counterfeit CD-ROMs. Software Alliance investigators, following leads from the alliance hotline (2865-3318), discovered the Web site was offering CD-ROMs with business and entertainment titles worth up to US$20,000 per title. Some of the pirated CD-ROMs cost as little as $5. Sale and export was available to the United States, Holland, Sweden and Canada.
