Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Football, Premier League, Sky Sports, BT Sport
Rory O'Callaghan
A new warning has been issued to Amazon Fire Stick users who illegally stream the Premier League and other sports events using the technology.
A YouGov survey revealed in November that almost 10 per cent of the UK population have recently watched sport, including the Premier League, illegally for free.
Users are able to watch paid subscription platforms like Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime without paying a fee using Amazon Fire Sticks that have been modified by criminals.
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Police have issued a fresh warning to those using the technology, as part of a wider crackdown on illegal streaming.
It comes after one person was arrested and 10 others interviewed under caution as part of a police investigation.
Police officers travelled to various locations including Portsmouth, Wales, Hartlepool, Middlesborough, Leeds, Manchester and Bury to carry out the interviews.
And while the investigation is mainly targeting sellers, those who illegally stream content have been warned they are at risk of a criminal conviction and potentially even a prison sentence if found guilty.
"Illegal streaming is a huge issue for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity," said Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police (via The Sun).
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"At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.
"By targeting grassroots sellers, we are sending out a clear message that this will not be tolerated.
"PIPCU will continue to work with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against those who provide illegal streaming services and protect consumers against the risks associated with using them."
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Kieron Sharp, Chief Executive Officer at FACT, added: "The success achieved through this targeted operation is directly attributable to the outstanding effort and robust support from PIPCU.
"By implementing these measures, a strong message has been conveyed: piracy is a criminal act that is treated with utmost seriousness.
"We remain vigilant in monitoring platforms, including modified fire sticks that promote and distribute illegal streams, taking decisive action against those selling illegal access to premium TV content.
"FACT and its partners are determined to disrupt these criminal operations and non-compliance will lead to further law enforcement action'."