Russian authorities are being accused of selectively targeting non-governmental organizations and critics of the Kremlin for Software Piracy:

Targets of a handful of raids in recent months say the Russian authorities are using an innovative way to crack down on critics: Accuse them of using pirated software.

Activists say the allegations are examples of selective justice, given that software piracy is everywhere in Russia. The International Intellectual Property Alliance, a coalition of seven industry groups, estimated last month that piracy rates in Russia ranged from 65 percent to 80 percent of all software in use.

By investigating Software Piracy, police are able to confiscate computers believed to be running on pirated software.  The article mentions  a case where an opposition newspaper had six computers seized by authorities investigating software piracy, thus preventing the newspaper from publishing its next issue.

The Counterfeit and Piracy Market in Russiais estimated to be valued at $6 billion. Software piracyin Russia is estimated to be valued at $2.19 billion.