Software poacher caught by Autodata and Trading Standards

Autodata Limited has helped in apprehension of a software pirate, operating in the south of England.

In partnership with Autodata’s primary Trading Standards Authority, Slough Borough Council, and with the combined assistance of both Monmouthshire and Southampton Trading Standards, and Southampton Police, a carefully planned operation was carried out resulting in the arrest of a prolific counterfeit software seller.

For a number of months the suspect has been touring the UK, in a number of hire cars, travelling over 20,000 miles whilst selling large quantities of counterfeit Autodata and other vehicle repair software. The suspect’s arrest occurred at a South coast car hire depot, where he was returning a vehicle hired during his tour of the country.

A large amount of cash and a number of electronic devices, together with quantities of suspect discs, were found in the subject’s possession and have been confiscated for examination by enforcement officers.

The smoothly executed swoop saw the suspect cautioned and arrested bringing about a satisfactory conclusion after several months of intense investigation by the seizure team.

A spokesperson for Slough Trading Standards said: “There was a brief window of opportunity for us to arrest the subject cleanly and on the day the timings went perfectly, thanks to the professional qualities of Autodata Limited and the Slough Trading Standards personnel.  We are appreciative of their work and perseverance.”

An Autodata spokesperson added: “Slough Borough Council Trading Standards, acting as Primary Authority, are to be thanked and commended for their willingness to go the extra mile in facilitating this arrest. The seller had been the subject of intelligence gathering for some time, to have his operations brought to an end is a big plus for the whole industry. The fight against those who continue to put public safety at risk through the sale of dangerously expired, pirated software will continue as we seek to support the appropriate authorities in bringing these individuals to justice”.