In one of the largest operations to date, FACT and partners, including Sky, have taken action across the UK to combat illegal streaming and the use of unlawfully modified Firestick devices.
In a month-long coordinated and sequenced nationwide surge, FACT and police targeted individuals providing unauthorised access to premium TV content, including film, television and live sporting events.
From Essex to Dundee, 40 illegal IPTV operators were identified, investigated, and served with official warnings. Cease-and-desist notices were delivered in person by FACT and police, and through post and email, instructing those running the services to immediately halt their illegal activity or face criminal prosecution. The operation targeted 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 campaign to disrupt and dismantle piracy operations. Three warrants were also served leading to the arrest of a 42-year-old man in Nottingham, a 51-year-old man from Widnes and a 52-year-old man in Stockton-on-Tees. Digital devices and ‘fully loaded’ smart TV devices or Firesticks were also seized from the addresses and are currently undergoing forensic examination by FACT.
Additionally, Sky actively works to remove listings and social media posts selling illegal IPTV subscriptions and ‘loaded’ Firesticks in the UK and Ireland. During this intensification period, they removed over 3,000.
This targeted intensification period over July has already proven highly effective. It has resulted in the majority of illegal services being taken down and their advertising removed from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
FACT works with sports rights holders and broadcast partners, including The Premier League, Sky, TNT Sports and Virgin Media, to investigate and prosecute suppliers of illegal streaming services, other IP crimes, and those accessing illegal content. Illegal IPTV undermines broadcasters’ rights by diverting revenue streams, enabling users to access premium content without providing proper compensation.
Kieron Sharp, FACT CEO, said:
“These measures underscore the serious consequences of engaging in such illicit activities. We thank the police services involved for their invaluable assistance in this operation, particularly Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East Regional Crime Unit for executing the warrants.
“The rise in illegal IPTV operators using modified Firesticks to unlawfully access premium content is a growing concern. This not only infringes upon copyright laws but deprives content creators and distributors of their rightful earnings and disrupts the economic balance of the creative industry.
“FACT and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to disrupt these criminal operations. This is just the start of our enforcement efforts, with more actions planned.”
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, added:
“The action taken by FACT, police and Sky across the country sends a strong message to those involved in illegal streaming operations that they will be identified, and they will face consequences.
“We are very grateful to our partners for this latest wave of enforcement, and we will continue to work together to protect consumers from the risks of illegal streams. To this end, Sky proudly supports educational campaigns, including BeStreamWise.com, which highlights the risks and directs consumers to safe ways to enjoy the content they love.”
What you can do
FACT asks that anyone with information about this kind of crime report it online at FACT Report it or via Crimestoppers, an independent charity that allows anyone to report anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or filling out an online form.
