Detentions Made in Illegal Streaming Raid

In one of their most significant crackdowns to date, the UK intellectual property protection organization FACT, with partners including Sky, has undertaken substantial measures throughout the UK to address illegal streaming and the use of unauthorized Firestick devices.

Over the course of a month-long, coordinated nationwide initiative, FACT and law enforcement targeted individuals providing illicit access to premium TV content, including films, TV series, and live sports.

From Essex to Dundee, 40 illegal IPTV operators were discovered, scrutinized, and given official warnings. FACT and the police issued cease-and-desist orders in person, through mail, and via email, instructing these operators to immediately cease their illegal activities or face prosecution. The operation encompassed individuals across the UK, including London, South East England, West Midlands, North West, North East, North Wales, and Scotland.

These notices are part of a broader strategy to disrupt and pull apart piracy networks. Three warrants were also carried out, resulting in the apprehension of a 42-year-old man in Nottingham, a 51-year-old man in Widnes, and a 52-year-old man in Stockton-on-Tees. Digital devices and 'fully loaded' smart TVs or Firesticks were confiscated and are currently undergoing forensic analysis by FACT.

Additionally, Sky is proactively eliminating listings and social media posts promoting illegal IPTV subscriptions and 'loaded' Firesticks in the UK and Ireland, taking down over 3,000 listings during this period.

This concentrated effort in June and July has proven highly successful, resulting in the shutdown of numerous illegal services and the removal of their advertisements from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

FACT works alongside sports rights holders and broadcast partners, including Sky, The Premier League, TNT Sports, and Virgin Media, to investigate and prosecute providers of illegal streaming services and other IP violations. Illegal IPTV disrupts broadcasters' rights by diverting revenue and enabling users to access premium content without proper compensation.