Massive Crackdown on Illegal Streaming Sends Warning to Millions of Users
In the midst of the ongoing cost of living crisis, millions have turned to illegal streaming to avoid high subscription fees for movies, sports, and TV shows. However, this surge in unauthorized streaming has caught the attention of authorities, leading to one of the largest-ever crackdowns on the activity.
The massive operation spanned across Europe, targeting illegal streaming networks in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria. The authorities arrested 11 individuals and placed another 102 under investigation. It is believed that those behind these illegal streams were earning over €250 million (£200 million) each month, making it a significant win for content providers who have been losing out on revenue, reported by the Express.
During the raids, authorities not only shut down illegal movie and sports streams but also seized numerous devices that were supplying content to homes across the continent. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA), an organization focused on tackling digital piracy.
According to the Birmingham Live, Mark Mulready, co-president of AAPA, emphasized the scale of the operation, stating, “The scale of these multi-jurisdictional law enforcement actions highlights the considerable challenge our industry faces when dealing with such sophisticated international pirate networks. We are proud to have collaborated with our law enforcement partners to provide technical training and in-field support to assist them in successfully tackling the world’s largest pirate network.”
Matt Hibbert, the group director of anti-piracy at Sky, added, “This sends a strong message that, alongside our partners, we are committed to dismantling pirate networks across borders and holding their ringleaders accountable. We will continue supporting efforts to end digital piracy and protect consumers from the risks of these illegal services.”
While no consumers were directly targeted in the raids, millions of individuals who were subscribed to illegal streaming services will now find themselves blocked from accessing content. Additionally, more than 30 suppliers of pre-loaded Fire TV Sticks in the UK have been issued cease-and-desist orders, warning them to stop selling these devices or face further legal action.
Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft), reinforced the gravity of the situation: “Our cease-and-desist measures are not just warnings—they are the first step toward holding offenders accountable. Many who ignored these notices in the past are now facing arrest and criminal charges. We strongly advise anyone involved in these activities to stop immediately.”
He also highlighted the dangers of illegal streaming, advising users: “You are putting yourself at risk. These services often expose users to malware, scams, and data theft, with no recourse when things go wrong. The safest, smartest, and only choice is to stick to legitimate providers for your entertainment.”