Software giant Microsoft denies having sold software packages to Colombia’s largest guerrilla group FARC after repeated allegations the rebel group only uses Microsoft Windows™, and Office in their war against the Colombian State.
“What we would like to clarify is that the FARC, among many other organizations in Colombia, use pirate versions of our software. This has been confirmed by the Colombian government,” Microsoft’s global anti-piracy chief, Keith Beeman said on Monday.
“We have previously condemned sotware piracy, saying it is as bad as drug trafficking,” Beeman added.
“Once the investigative authorities release the serial numbers we will sue the FARC for using our technology to commit acts of terrorism without paying us for it. We can not allow anyone, especially those active in the highly profitable drug industry, to not fairly share their profits with us,” the Microsoft executive said.
Computers using Windows and Office were found in the camps of at least three FARC commanders.