A crackdown on illegal streaming has resulted in the closure of a major platform that provided unauthorized access to premium content from Sky TV. The operation, which unfolded in Manchester last week, led to the arrest of four individuals and the confiscation of equipment valued at £750,000.
The investigation was initiated following reports of suspicious activity by Sky, prompting a probe into a large-scale illegal streaming network. The culprits allegedly operated an illicit IPTV service catering to millions of users in the UK, with one suspect believed to have profited over £3 million. Although households utilizing the service have not been targeted directly, they will now face disruptions as the unauthorized streams are blocked.
Detective Constable Jordan Day from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit highlighted the criminal nature of such services, emphasizing the substantial profits generated by organized piracy. Cooperation between law enforcement and industry partners like Sky was vital in dismantling these illegal networks to safeguard broadcasting integrity and consumer interests.
Matt Hibbert, Sky’s Group Director of Anti-Piracy, commended the swift action taken against the pirate operation, underscoring the company’s commitment to protecting its content investment. He warned viewers against illegal streaming, citing research indicating security risks associated with malware from such activities. The joint effort aims to ensure consumer safety and data protection by disrupting illicit streaming operations.