In a significant move against digital piracy, police have arrested three men accused of distributing modified Amazon Firesticks, which were used to illegally stream subscription-only content such as Sky Sports. The arrests are part of a UK-wide initiative to combat Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) piracy rings, which have caused substantial revenue losses for broadcasters and sports organizations.
The individuals, aged 42 from Nottingham, 51 from Widnes, and 52 from Stockton on Tees, were apprehended in a coordinated effort by local police and cybercrime specialists from Fact-UK. The operation also uncovered Class A drugs in possession of the Widnes suspect, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. Following their arrests, all three have been released pending further inquiries.
This crackdown follows a trend of increasing actions against IPTV operations. Just last month, Michael Hornung, a major operator in the illegal streaming market, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison. Hornung had reportedly fled to Northern Cyprus in an attempt to evade extradition but was eventually brought back to the UK to face justice.
Fact-UK’s data indicates a significant rise in the use of devices like the Amazon Firestick to access pirated streams. In response, 40 IPTV operators were issued cease-and-desist notices this month alone, signalling a ramp-up in enforcement activities.
The recent judicial developments in Spain, where a judge ruled that legal actions could be extended to individual users of such illegal services, have set a precedent that might influence further legal actions in the UK.
Emma Warbey, Detective Chief Inspector of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, emphasized the broader implications of such crimes, stating, “Illegal streaming is not only a theft from the entertainment industries but often funds other serious criminal activities. Our actions today send a clear message that such offences will not be tolerated.
The police and Fact-UK continue to urge the public to steer clear of illegal streaming services, not only to avoid legal repercussions but also to help combat the funding of broader criminal networks.
