POLICE have interrogated a dozen people who have been selling illegal access to premium TV content in the UK.
One person was arrested and 11 others were interrogated as police swarmed areas from Portsmouth all the way to Manchester, Leeds and Wales.
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Anyone who uses modified Amazon Fire Sticks to illegally stream content like Premier League football have been warned following the raids.
Fire Sticks offer users instant access to TV shows from a range of paid streaming apps, such as Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+.
However, people commonly obtain versions with unofficial apps side-loaded onto them that provide free or cheap access to premium channels.
A spokesperson for FACT, the UK digital forensics company, has said that the country is cracking down on digital piracy.
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He said: “By implementing these measures, a strong message has been conveyed: piracy is a criminal act that is treated with the utmost seriousness and decisive action will be taken against suppliers of illicit services regardless of their size or scale.
“We remain vigilant in monitoring platforms, including modified fire sticks that promote and distribute illegal streams, taking decisive action against those selling illegal access to premium TV content.
“FACT and its partners are determined to disrupt these criminal operations and non-compliance will lead to further law enforcement action.”
On the recent raids, he credited the PIPCU (Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit) for a successful operation.
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Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey from PIPCU added that illegal streaming is a matter that the police are beginning to take very seriously.
She said: “Illegal streaming is a huge issue for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity.
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“At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.”
“By targeting grassroots sellers, we are sending out a clear message that this will not be tolerated.
“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.”
All 12 of the people the police spoke to were issued warnings – meaning that they all have a criminal record now.
If they fail to follow the rules set out in the warning, they may end up in court.
It was recently revealed around 19 per cent of people illegally streamed content over a three-month period.
Police raided homes in January and made two arrests after finding illegal Fire TV devices being sold with full unauthorised access to premium Sky packages.
And an investigation led the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) to discover a Telegram channel selling the illegal Fire Sticks – earning those involved more than £800,000.
Detective Inspector Steve Payne, from ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit, worries that this money will be used to fund other crimes.
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He said: “We know from experience that the money generated through illegal means such as this often goes on to fund wider organised criminality, which is why it’s key to apprehend those involved.
“We have also gained access to the details of those purchasing the streams, and I would remind anyone doing so that they will be breaking the law and could ultimately be subject to criminal proceedings.”
Where to buy a Fire TV Stick
Fire TV Sticks are an easy way to add streaming to an older television. They’re manufactured by Amazon, but you can buy them from a number of different stores.
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