Police and anti-fraud squads have conducted raids in 17 areas across the UK targeting 'dodgy' Amazon Fire Sticks modified to stream premium content without payment. The devices, often called 'fully-loaded' Fire Sticks, have been tampered with to provide unauthorised access to platforms such as Sky, Netflix, Disney+, and BT Sport.
Authorities warn that those caught streaming illegally could face fines of thousands of pounds and up to 12 months in prison. Harsher penalties apply to sellers. In 2024, Jonathan Edge from Liverpool was jailed for 40 months for selling modified Fire Sticks, and in 2025, Sunny Kanda from Halifax received a two-year sentence for supplying the devices and concealing bank transfers linked to criminal activity.
The crackdown involves collaboration between the Premier League, Sky, the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), and the City of London Police's Intellectual Property Crime Unit. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey stated: 'Illegal streaming might look like a quick way to save money, but as this research shows, it's a false economy that can end up costing people thousands.'
FACT has warned that both suppliers and viewers could face fines of up to £50,000 for using jailbroken Fire Sticks to illegally stream Sky and Premier League content. The practice is estimated to involve nearly five million people in the UK accessing illegal sports broadcasts.
A spokesperson for National Trading Standards said: 'Accessing pirated content through illegal TV fire sticks undermines the UK's entertainment industry... It also puts consumers at risk by exposing them to illegal software that can put their data and bank details in jeopardy.'
