European Authorities Dismantle Massive Illegal Streaming Ring in International Operation
European authorities dismantle a major illegal streaming operation with over 22 million users globally. The illicit network offered on-demand content from popular TV platforms and over 2,500 live TV channels. 11 individuals were arrested, with the alleged ringleaders based in the Netherlands, generating over €250 million monthly.
Italy’s Postal and Cybersecurity Police Service spearheaded "Operation Taken Down," targeting a vast network that utilised an illegal Internet Protocol Television system spread across various countries.
The illicit organisation ran multiple live-streaming websites, offering on-demand content from prominent national and international TV platforms like Sky, Mediaset, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Paramount, and Disney+. Additionally, they provided access to over 2,500 live TV channels, including sports broadcasters.
These services were promoted on social media platforms, with subscribers reportedly paying approximately €10 per month. The investigation, which involved law enforcement agencies from across Europe, Europol, and Eurojust, focused on 102 suspects, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals. The alleged masterminds were located in the Netherlands, with the group believed to be generating over €250 million monthly.
To avoid detection, the suspects allegedly used encrypted messaging services and false identities for various activities such as registering phone numbers, credit cards, server rentals, and TV subscriptions. Italy’s Postal and Cybersecurity Police Service stated, "The postal police tracked down nine servers in Romania and Hong Kong through which the pirated audiovisual signal was broadcast throughout Europe, which they proceeded to turn off in collaboration with the local police forces."
Furthermore, the operation identified three senior administrators and 80 control panels for streaming flows in England and Holland. Approximately 30 servers and 270 IPTV devices were seized, along with the takedown of 100 domains. Authorities also confiscated various drugs and weapons, along with around €1.6 million in cryptocurrency and €40,000 in cash.
The Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance has commended the operation, expressing support for the crackdown on illegal streaming activities. Co-president Mark Mulready highlighted the challenges faced by the industry in combating sophisticated international pirate networks and pledged continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies to tackle large-scale cross-border piracy.
A recent study by the European Union Intellectual Property Office revealed that TV content is the most pirated type of content in the EU, constituting nearly half of all piracy cases. The study also noted a 30% increase in piracy of live sports events between 2021 and 2022.
European authorities dismantle a major illegal streaming operation with over 22 million users globally.
The illicit network offered on-demand content from popular TV platforms and over 2,500 live TV channels.
11 individuals were arrested, with the alleged ringleaders based in the Netherlands, generating over €250 million monthly.
Source: FORBES