In a major clampdown, FACT, in partnership with Sky and other organisations, has initiated a nationwide operation including in Wales to combat illegal streaming and the use of illicitly modified Firestick devices. Over a span of one month, FACT and police forces across the UK zeroed in on individuals providing unauthorised access to premium TV content, including films, television shows and live sports events.

40 unlawful IPTV operators were identified, investigated, and issued with formal warnings. Cease-and-desist notices were personally delivered by FACT and police, as well as dispatched via post and email, ordering those running the services to immediately halt their illegal activity or face criminal prosecution.

The operation covered the length and breadth of the UK, including London, South East England, West Midlands, North West, North East, North Wales and Scotland. This forms part of a broader campaign to disrupt and dismantle piracy operations.

Three warrants also resulted in the arrest of a 42 year old man in Nottingham, a 51 year old man from Widnes and a 52 year old man in Stockton-on-Tees.

Digital devices and ‘fully loaded’ smart TV devices or Firesticks were confiscated from the addresses and are currently undergoing forensic examination by FACT. In addition, Sky has been actively working to eradicate listings and social media posts that sell illegal IPTV subscriptions and ‘loaded’ Firesticks in the UK and Ireland.

During this crackdown period, they managed to remove over 3,000.

During July, a targeted crackdown has yielded substantial outcomes, resulting in the shutdown of most illegal services and the removal of their ads from social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

FACT works alongside sports rights holders and broadcast partners such as The Premier League, Sky, TNT Sports, and Virgin Media to tackle suppliers of illegal streaming services, other intellectual property crimes, and those accessing content unlawfully. Illegal IPTV services undercut broadcasters’ rights, diverting revenue streams and enabling access to premium content without fair remuneration.

Kieron Sharp, the CEO of FACT, commented: “These measures underscore the serious consequences of engaging in such illicit activities. We thank the police services involved for their invaluable assistance in this operation, particularly Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and the North East Regional Crime Unit for executing the warrants.”

He also highlighted a worrying trend: “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.”

Sharp affirmed FACT’s dedication to combating these illegal operations: “FACT and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to disrupt these criminal operations. This is just the start of our enforcement efforts, with more actions planned.”

Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, commented: “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.

“We are very grateful to our partners for this latest wave of enforcement, and we will continue to work together to protect consumers from the risks of illegal streams. To this end, Sky proudly supports educational campaigns, including BeStreamWise.com, which highlights the risks and directs consumers to safe ways to enjoy the content they love.”

FACT encourages anyone with information about this type of crime to report it online at FACT Report it or via Crimestoppers, an independent charity that allows anyone to report anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or filling out an online form.