Homes that previously accessed Sky TV without paying the regular subscription fees may now face disruptions as a significant illegal streaming platform has been shut down following a major police operation.
The platform is believed to have provided unauthorized access to premium content, including from Sky TV’s premium channels, to numerous households. The operation, which occurred in Manchester last week, resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the confiscation of equipment valued at £750,000.
The investigation was initiated after Sky reported suspicious activities related to a large-scale illegal streaming network. The culprits were identified as individuals allegedly running an illicit IPTV service catering to millions of users across the UK. One suspect is accused of earning over £3 million from the operation. Sky confirmed that the cessation of the illegal service caused widespread disruptions nationwide.
While homes that accessed the illegal streams have not been directly targeted by law enforcement, they will no longer be able to view the content on their televisions.
Detective Constable Jordan Day of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at the City of London Police emphasized the criminal nature of illegal IPTV streaming services, highlighting their role in organized criminal activities that generate substantial illegal profits. He stressed the importance of safeguarding broadcasting integrity and protecting millions of viewers who depend on it, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with partners like Sky to dismantle illegal networks.
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, commended the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit for their swift action against the pirate operation. He underscored Sky’s commitment to safeguarding their content investments and reiterated their dedication to collaborating with law enforcement and industry partners to disrupt piracy networks.
Furthermore, he warned viewers against illegal streaming, citing research showing that nearly 65% of illegal streamers have encountered security risks like malware. He emphasized that such actions aim to protect consumers, their devices, and personal data from potential harm.
