A major crackdown on 'dodgy firesticks' has resulted in multiple raids and arrests across 11 areas, following investigations by Sky and anti-piracy organisation FACT. The operation targeted individuals suspected of distributing illegal streaming services to thousands of customers.
Raids and arrests
In the past month, six search warrants were executed in a two-day operation. Three men were arrested on Thursday, 25 June: a 47-year-old from Birkenhead and two men, aged 41 and 56, from Prenton. A further three search warrants were conducted on Friday, 26 June, leading to the arrest of a 49-year-old male from Prenton after two additional warrants were executed in Birkenhead and Prenton.
All six warrants related to the suspected distribution of illegal streaming services offering unauthorised access to premium television, films and live sports. The services are believed to have been provided to thousands of customers, harming legitimate broadcasters and the creative industries.
Locations targeted
The raids took place in Birkenhead, Prenton, Merseyside, Carlow, Wrexham, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Galway, Laois, and Limerick. Individuals were identified through intelligence-sharing between FACT and Merseyside Police.
Nick Sumner, Investigations Manager at FACT, said: "These arrests demonstrate the value of FACT's intelligence-led investigations and our close partnership with Merseyside Police. This sends a clear message that those involved in supplying illegal streaming services can be identified and held to account."
Legal warnings in Ireland
FACT and Sky have also issued legal warnings to 10 suspected illegal IPTV resellers across Ireland. The cease-and-desist notices ordered them to halt the sale of illegal subscriptions or face civil proceedings or referral to the Gardaí. Collectively, the services are believed to have supplied thousands of end-users.
Detective Constable Andrew Gibson of the Cyber Dependent Crime Unit said: "This coordinated operation follows detailed investigative work with FACT and has enabled us to take action against six individuals suspected of supplying illegal streaming services on a significant scale. Those selling illegal subscriptions should not assume that operating online will protect them from detection."
Continued efforts
Nick Sumner added: "Illegal streaming depends on a chain of people who promote, sell and provide access to unauthorised content. This latest campaign shows that we will continue targeting every part of that chain."
Matthew Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said: "We're proud of our continued collaboration with FACT as we work together to disrupt every link of the content piracy supply chain in Ireland. Illegal streaming is not a victimless crime – it damages jobs, drains investment from the Irish creative industries, and places viewers at risk."
