‘500,000’ viewers can’t stream TV illegally after police raids

Police arrested four people in a nationwide crackdown on IPTV boxes that let people watch paid-for TV such as Sky for free.

Officers from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) searched four premises in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Stoke, seizing computer equipment, laptops and phones.

The operation, which took place in February, was organised by PIPCU, Police Scotland and Sky. They believe the arrests will prevent more than 500,000 people from watching paid-for TV illegally.

As well as the arrests, more than 200 ‘cease and desist’ notices were given to individuals suspected of using illegal streaming services. These have become more popular in the past year as people cancel their legal subscriptions to save money.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson from PIPCU said that gangs often see selling illegal streaming services as

“a low-risk, high-reward crime which can be used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity”.

“We hope that this period of action sends a clear message; PIPCU will continue to work with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against those who provide illegal streaming services and protect consumers against the risks associated with using them,” he added.

He also warned that many illegal services contain malware, leaving users at risk of data theft and fraud.

One person has been charged in relation to intellectual property theft following the raids, while three people have since been released under investigation.

The operation is a further sign that the police and broadcasters are stepping up attempts to disrupt IPTV services. In January, officers visited 1,000 homes where individuals were suspected of watching •Download paid-for TV illegally. TV and music for free without breaking the law – Issue 654, out Weds 29 March