Police have successfully dismantled a significant illegal IPTV streaming network based in the United Kingdom, which generated over £3 million in revenue from unauthorised broadcasts. The operation was initiated following a formal complaint from Sky, leading to a coordinated raid in Manchester last week.
Major Raid and Arrests in Manchester
During the enforcement action, authorities arrested four individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit network. Police seized ten high-value servers, each estimated to be worth approximately £75,000, resulting in total confiscations exceeding £750,000. The servers were immediately shut down on-site, causing widespread disruption to illegal streaming services across the UK.
Investigation Triggered by Sky Alert
The investigation was launched after Sky reported suspicious activity linked to a large-scale illegal streaming service. This service enabled viewers throughout the UK to access live Premier League football matches without legitimate subscriptions, undermining broadcast rights and revenue.
Detective Constable Jordan Day, from the City of London Police's Intellectual Property Crime Unit, emphasised the seriousness of the operation. 'Criminals continue to provide illegal IPTV streaming services to consumers,' he stated. 'These services are not harmless alternatives; they are examples of organised criminal operations generating millions in illegal profits.'
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Piracy
DC Day highlighted the importance of partnership in tackling such crimes. 'This operation demonstrates the impact we can have when we work closely with partners like Sky to dismantle these illegal networks,' he said. 'It sends a clear message to those who profit from piracy that they will be held to account.'
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, expressed gratitude for the police's decisive action. 'We thank the police Intellectual Property Crime Unit for taking decisive action against a major pirate operation,' he commented. 'We take the protection of our content extremely seriously given the significant investment we make and will continue to work with the police and industry partners to disrupt the criminal networks behind piracy.'
Risks to Consumers from Illegal Streaming
Hibbert also warned consumers about the dangers associated with illegal streaming. 'People who watch illegal streams should know that it isn't a victimless crime,' he advised. 'Recent research by BeStreamWise indicates that nearly 65 per cent of illegal streamers have faced security scares like malware through these unlawful methods. This action will help keep consumers, their devices and their personal data safe.'
The shutdown of this network underscores ongoing efforts to protect intellectual property and maintain the integrity of broadcasting in the UK. Authorities continue to monitor and act against similar operations to safeguard legitimate services and consumers.
