Fans warned by police as gangs move into football TV streaming

● Officers say supporters need to see the problem is not a ‘victimless crime’

0 Supporters are watching illegally in pubs and at home Police have warned about the growing criminal trade in illegally streamed football matches, amid fears supporters are turning away from TV sport subscriptions.

Police Scotland met with leading broadcasters including Sky, BT Sport and Celtic TV yesterday to discuss an issue they said is becoming “normalised” among fans watching at home or in the pub.

The force said criminal gangs have moved into the area, which has grown as counterfeit services become more popular among fans tired of paying for legal subscription services. According to industry analysis, the illegal use of internet protocol television (IPTV) has risen by 143 per cent in the past year.

Officers met with broadcasters, the English Premier League and others at Tulliallan, Fife yesterday.

Police Scotland said criminals had moved into the illegal streaming of football and other pay TV services as it was seen as being low risk.

Chief Inspector Mark Leonard, Police Scotland’s lead on counterfeiting, said: “Crime groups and criminals around Scotland are diversifying into what’s seen as less risk areas.

“There’s also a public perception that this is a commodity which is victimless. Prevention is a big part of this so we need to change attitudes and behaviours of people to show that this damages the creative industries in Scotland.

“This is now seen as being normalised. A family will sit and watch one of these IPTV devices.”

Last month Gavin Gray, 25, was given a 12-month restriction of liberty order after admitting fraud offences that enabled others to watch pay TV channels without an official viewing card.

The first conviction of its type in Scotland, it followed an operation by police, Sky, Virgin Media and others in 2014.

When police raided Gray’s home in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, they seized £44,500 hidden in a safe in the loft and later seized £80,000 from his bank account.

Aspokesmanforthescottish Professional Football League said: “We welcome the support of Police Scotland in working against the illegal streaming of football matches, a practice which damages clubs as well as supporters. As we strive to generate the very best broadcast agreements possible for the benefits of all clubs and supporters, it is imperative we continue to effectively protect our intellectual property.”