In a sweeping operation across the UK, authorities have launched one of the largest crackdowns to date on illegal IPTV streaming services and the use of unlawfully modified Firestick devices.
The month-long coordinated surge, led by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) in partnership with Sky and various police forces, has targeted individuals providing unauthorised access to premium TV content, including films, television shows, and live sporting events.
Authorities raided homes, made arrests, and seized modified Firesticks and other streaming devices in a concerted effort. From Essex to Dundee, 40 illegal IPTV operators found themselves in the crosshairs of this nationwide operation.
FACT and police officials personally delivered cease-and-desist notices to these individuals, instructing them to halt their illegal activities immediately or face criminal prosecution (see below for our guide on how to avoid these “dodgy boxes” and services).
The operation cast a wide net, reaching into London, the South East, West Midlands, North West, North East, North Wales, and Scotland.
But the battle didn’t stop at people’s doorsteps – it extended into the digital realm, with over 3,000 online adverts for these illegal services vanishing from social media platforms.
Three Arrests and Seizures
As part of this intensified effort, authorities executed three warrants, leading to arrests in Nottingham, Widnes, and Stockton-on-Tees.
Digital devices and ‘fully loaded’ smart TV devices or Firesticks were seized from all three addresses and are currently undergoing forensic examination by FACT.
In Nottingham, a 42-year-old man was arrested under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Computer Misuse Act, and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act. He has since been released on bail as the investigation continues.
In Stockton-on-Tees, a 52-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of supplying articles for use in fraud and money laundering. He, too, has been released under investigation while enquiries proceed.
And as we recently reported, a significant arrest was made in Widnes. At approximately 9:30 am on a Wednesday morning, officers from the Cheshire Police Cyber Crime Unit executed a warrant at a residential address in the town, leading to the arrest of a 51-year-old man.
During the operation, officers seized a substantial cache of electronic devices, vividly illustrating the scale of this alleged illegal streaming operation.
The confiscated items included computers, phones, digital satellite television boxes, and, notably, a number of Amazon Fire TV Sticks and other modified streaming devices.
The Firestick Scheme
The rise of modified Amazon Fire TV Sticks in these illegal operations has become a concern for authorities.
When ‘jailbroken’ or modified, these popular streaming devices can access unauthorised content, including premium TV channels, live sports events, and the latest films.
Modifying these devices, sometimes referred to as “sideloading” or “jailbreaking” (a term that used to refer to iOS devices, but has since become common in these types of cases), involves installing apps that aren’t available through the official Amazon App Store.
While this practice isn’t illegal, it becomes problematic when used to access copyrighted content without proper authorisation.
Illegal streaming services then exploit this ability by either selling pre-modified Firesticks or providing step-by-step instructions for users to install unauthorised IPTV apps on their existing devices.
Kieron Sharp, FACT CEO, highlighted this issue: “The rise in illegal IPTV operators using modified Firesticks to unlawfully access premium content is a growing concern.
“This not only infringes upon copyright laws but deprives content creators and distributors of their rightful earnings and disrupts the economic balance of the creative industry.”
Digital Clean-Up: Thousands of Ads Vanish
The recent operation extended beyond physical raids and arrests, targeting the digital marketplace where these illegal services are advertised and sold.
Sky, as a key partner in this initiative, took an active role in dismantling the online presence of these illicit operations.
During this month-long coordinated surge in June and July, Sky’s anti-piracy team worked to identify and remove listings and social media posts selling illegal IPTV subscriptions and ‘loaded’ Firesticks across the UK and Ireland.
The result was notable: over 3,000 adverts were taken down from various online platforms.
These removals spanned multiple social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said: “The action taken by FACT, police and Sky across the country sends a strong message to those involved in illegal streaming operations that they will be identified, and they will face consequences.”
A String Of Recent UK IPTV Cases
The current nationwide operation is part of a broader, ongoing effort to combat illegal IPTV services across the UK.
Several high-profile cases in recent years highlight the seriousness with which authorities are treating this issue:
The £1 Million Firestick Premier League Scheme
In October 2023, Steven Mills, a 58-year-old from Shrewsbury, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for operating an illegal streaming service that broadcast Premier League matches.
His operation, which amassed £1 million over five years, exploited custom apps on Amazon’s Fire TV devices to distribute content to over 30,000 subscribers.
The £500,000 Liverpool Bust
In June 2024, Kevin James O’Donnell, a 41-year-old resident of Liverpool, received a two-year suspended sentence for promoting and selling illegally modified Amazon Fire TV Sticks.
His operation generated over £130,000 in revenue, defrauding content owners of more than half a million pounds.
The £2 Million International Manhunt
In a case that concluded in June 2024, Michael Hornung, a 40-year-old from Hyde, Greater Manchester, was extradited from Northern Cyprus and sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.
Operating under the alias ‘NoHatsNoTrainers’, Hornung sold specially configured set-top boxes that allowed unlawful access to subscription services.
His scheme, which ran from 2014 to 2017, resulted in a staggering £2 million in potential losses for broadcasters.
Spotting Modified Fire TV Sticks
As illegal streaming operations become increasingly sophisticated, it’s important to know how to identify and avoid modified Fire TV Sticks (and other streaming devices), sometimes referred to as “dodgy boxes”.
Here are some key warning signs to watch out for:
Suspicious Advertising: Be wary of Fire TV Sticks advertised as “fully loaded”, “jailbroken”, or promising “unlimited free content”. Legitimate devices don’t come pre-installed with apps that offer unofficial, unrestricted access to paid content.
Unusually Low Pricing: While everyone loves a bargain, be cautious of Fire TV Sticks sold at prices significantly lower than Amazon’s official pricing. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Non-Standard Retailers: It’s usually better to purchase your Fire TV Stick from authorised sellers. Be sceptical of “new” devices sold through social media platforms, online marketplaces, or unfamiliar websites.
Pre-Installed Unfamiliar Apps: Legitimate Fire TV Sticks come with a standard set of apps. If your device arrives with unfamiliar applications pre-installed, especially those promising free / low-cost access to premium content, it might have been modified.
Unusual Home Screen: Modified Fire TV Sticks often have customised home screens featuring prominently placed illegal streaming apps. If your new device’s home screen looks significantly different from the standard Fire TV interface, be suspicious.
“Sideloading” Instructions: While sideloading (installing apps from outside the official App Store) can be a common practice, be cautious if your Fire TV Stick comes with specific instructions for sideloading certain apps. This method is often used to install unauthorized streaming software.
Remember, while modified Fire TV Sticks might promise a world of free (or low-cost) content, they often come with significant risks.
These can include exposure to malware, personal data theft, unreliable service, and potential legal consequences.
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