
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Federal officials say a guilty plea from a Chinese national is a reminder that the U.S. government takes software piracy seriously.
Xiang Li pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Delaware to conspiracy to commit copyright infringement and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in an international software piracy scheme. He faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 3. Prosecutors have agreed to drop more than 40 other counts against Li.
Two Americans who purchased the pirated software, including a former NASA employee, also are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director John Morton said Tuesday that online software piracy is a high priority for his agency, the investigative arm for the Department of Homeland Security.
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