Homes that previously accessed Sky TV content without paying subscription fees are now facing disruptions as a significant illegal streaming platform has been shut down following a major police operation. The platform allegedly provided unofficial access to premium channels from Sky TV.
The closure of the illegal streaming service occurred in Manchester last week, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of equipment worth £750,000. The investigation was initiated after Sky reported suspicious activities related to a large-scale illegal streaming network. The authorities identified individuals involved in running the illicit IPTV service, which served millions of users across the UK. It is alleged that one suspect made over £3 million from the operation. Sky confirmed that the illegal service caused widespread disruption nationwide.
While homes that accessed the streams have not been targeted by the police, they will no longer be able to view the content on their TVs as it has been blocked.
Detective Constable Jordan Day from the City of London Police’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) stated, “Criminals continue to offer illegal IPTV streaming services to consumers. These services are not harmless alternatives but are organized criminal operations generating millions in illegal profits. It is crucial for our team to safeguard the integrity of broadcasting and protect the millions of individuals who depend on it.”
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, expressed appreciation for PIPCU’s efforts in combating piracy. He emphasized Sky’s commitment to protecting their content investment and collaborating with law enforcement and industry partners to dismantle criminal piracy networks.
Hibbert also highlighted the risks associated with illegal streaming, citing research by BeStreamWise indicating that nearly 65% of illegal streamers have encountered security threats such as malware. This enforcement action aims to ensure the safety of consumers, their devices, and personal data.
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