Police issue warning over modified Amazon Fire Sticks as 11 people are questioned over illegal football streaming

POLICE have questioned almost a dozen people suspected of selling dodgy devices used to illegally stream premium channels on the cheap.

One person was arrested and 10 others were interviewed under caution as part of a major crackdown on gadgets like popular Amazon Fire TV Sticks that have been modified by criminals.

1

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.

We are sending out a clear message that this will not be tolerated

Detective Chief Inspector Emma WarbeyCity of London Police

The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police has carried out a week of action in conjunction with anti-piracy organisation FACT.

All 11 individuals questioned are accused of selling kit that provides illegal access to top premium TV content, such as live Premier League matches on Sky Sports.

Officers travelled to various locations including Portsmouth, Wales, Hartlepool, Middlesborough, Leeds, Manchester and Bury to carry out interviews.

Although the police’s main line of investigation targets sellers, those who buy modified streaming gadgets have been warned they face different potentially devastating consequences including data theft, fraud and malware.

“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,” said Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police.

“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 of the 11 people questioned by officers were issued a conditional caution, demanding they cease their activity and take down their advertising and social media channels.

A conditional caution gives a person a record on the police system and if they do not abide by the conditions of the caution, they will go to court and face further prosecution.

Kieron Sharp, CEO at FACT, added: “The success achieved through this targeted operation is directly attributable to the outstanding effort and robust support from PIPCU.

“By implementing these measures, a strong message has been conveyed: piracy is a criminal act that is treated with utmost seriousness.

“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.”

Last year, fraudster Steven Mills, 58, from Shrewsbury, was given a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for modified “Firesticks” via a closed Facebook group.

His organisation received more than £1million in five years.

A number of suspected sellers have already been sent “cease and desist” letters recently.

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk