Thousands of UK households could lose access to free premium TV channels after police dismantled a large illegal streaming operation. The City of London Police's Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), working with Sky, raided a data centre in Farnborough that housed high-capacity servers distributing unauthorised streams.
Detective Sergeant Ben Hobbs said the operation highlights the scale of illegal streaming in the UK. "The size of this operation shows how widespread illegal streaming has become in the UK and our commitment to bringing the criminals behind it to justice," he said. He urged viewers to use only official sources to avoid risks.
Sky's Group Director of Anti-Piracy, Matt Hibbert, welcomed the action. "Illegal streaming is linked to organised crime, undermines the creative industries, and can expose consumers to significant risks," he said. The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt pirate networks and protect consumers.
Authorities warn that illegal streaming services can expose users to malware, data theft, fraud, and inappropriate content. Some users have received warning letters or visits from enforcement agencies. The cost-of-living crisis has driven some to seek cheap alternatives, but officials stress the legal and security dangers.
