Selling pirated software or software that allows one to pirate is illegal. But that didn't stop one man from doing so anyways. A Japanese man with a self-proclaimed "150 IQ" was arrested for misusing his astounding intellect for piracy.
According to reports, in April, 29 year-old Yuuichi Shimizu was arrested and charged with selling modded PSPs on internet auction sites in Japan. An avid gamer himself, Shimizu had previously obtained modding software and was using pirated games on his own PSP. However, when he learned that modded PSPs were being sold on internet auctions for nearly ¥20,000 (US$251.79), he sought about making a little profit of his own.
Utilizing his stunning intellect, along with his college education in science and engineering, Shimizu obtained cheap used PSPs which he then refitted with fake PSP cases and batteries that he purchased from China. He then sold the "new" PSPs online together with pirated game-enabling software and information where to obtain pirated games at ¥5,000 (US$62.95) less than the standard going rate.
From January 13th until March 1st, Shimizu had 60 buyers and made roughly ¥1,000,000 (US$12,594.46). Minus the cost of the used PSPs and parts, Shimizu still made a profit of nearly ¥500,000 (US$6,297.23). Unfortunately, this little stroke of genius managed to increase the severity of his crime. By replacing the covers and batteries, Shimizu is not only in violation of the copyright laws against piracy, he is now also finding himself in violation of trademark laws as well.
Apparently, the savant that he is, Shimizu is showing little remorse for his crimes, retaliating at police and asking, "Why am I the only one that gets arrested!?"
Sometimes, part of being smart is to know when to show restraint… Oh, and not to break the law.
自称ＩＱ１５０、ゲームオタクが知恵を絞った愚かな商売 [msn.産経ニュース]
(Top photo: VIPDesignUSA | Shutterstock)