Millions of UK households have been warned as police prepare to crack down on users of 'dodgy' Amazon Fire TV sticks that provide illegal streaming content. The nationwide operation, codenamed Operation Eider, will initially target properties in 17 regions across the country.
Payments made to criminals selling these devices are being traced to bank accounts across the UK, and anyone suspected of purchasing one could face arrest. Online bank Revolut has already been ordered by the Irish High Court to hand over the names and addresses of around 300 suspected users to Sky Group.
Detective Chief Inspector Alethea Fowler, of the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit in South Wales, said: 'Criminals rarely stop at just one income stream, and by purchasing illicit goods - such as an illegal streaming service fire stick - you are enabling further forms of criminality, often involving exploitation and harm.'
Those found in possession of an illegal Fire TV stick could receive a caution, fines, or even imprisonment. The operation is being carried out in partnership with the Federation Against Copyright Theft, whose chairman Kieron Sharp warned of 'robust action' against sellers, distributors, and those facilitating the illegal activity.
Matt Hibbert, group director of anti-piracy at Sky, dismissed the idea that viewing pirated streams is harmless, warning of risks including theft of bank details. A police source added that the virtual private network provided on the sticks can be used by criminal networks for their own purposes.
Amazon has confirmed that the 'side loading' function which allowed such modifications is being removed from all new devices, effectively ending the 'dodgy stick' phenomenon.
