Four Merseyside men have been arrested in a coordinated crackdown on so-called 'dodgy sticks' used for illegal streaming. Police executed six warrants over two days, targeting the suspected supply of unauthorised streaming services to thousands of customers.
Arrests and Warrants
A 47-year-old from Birkenhead and two men, aged 41 and 56, from Prenton were arrested on Thursday, June 25. The following day, officers arrested a 49-year-old man from Prenton. All warrants were related to the suspected supply of illegal streaming services that provide unauthorised access to premium television, films, and live sports.
These devices, commonly known as 'dodgy' boxes or sticks, include illegally altered Amazon Fire TV Sticks, Android devices, or Kodi devices that enable access to paywalled content such as Sky Sports.
Impact on Creative Industries
The suspected services are believed to have been supplied to thousands of customers, causing significant damage to legitimate broadcasters, the wider creative industries, and the jobs they support. The investigation was a joint effort by Merseyside Police and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).
This operation follows a previous arrest of a man from Birkenhead in October last year for similar offences. The investigation remains ongoing.
Official Statements
Investigations Manager at FACT, Nick Sumner, 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."
Detective Constable Andrew Gibson of the Cyber Dependent Crime Unit added: "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. We will continue to follow the evidence and pursue those believed to be profiting from this activity."
Risks to Consumers
A FACT spokesperson warned: "Illegal streaming services are often sold through websites, social media, messaging apps and modified streaming devices. Customers are typically offered unauthorised access to subscription television channels and pay-per-view content for a reduced fee. Alongside the damage caused to broadcasters and content creators, illegal streaming services can expose consumers to scams, malicious software and the theft of personal or financial information."
FACT continues to work with police forces and rights holders across the UK to identify, disrupt, and deter those involved in illegal streaming through intelligence-led investigations, enforcement operations, cease-and-desist notices, and criminal prosecutions.
