A fresh crackdown on illegal Fire Sticks has been launched by police, with eight new areas in the UK being targeted – including the West Midlands and Scotland.

For those unaware, a 'dodgy' Fire Stick is a device containing preloaded illegal software which allows users to watch content from providers such as Sky Sports and TNT Sports for free or at a reduced cost.

The use of Fire Sticks and other modified devices has increased in recent years due to a number of factors, including the rising subscription costs linked to rights holders.

It was reported last year that around 59 per cent of UK Fire Stick owners admit to using the device to watch illegal streams, but the Premier League and intelligence-led investigation service FACT, amongst others, are taking a stand.

For the past decade, the police and specialist private investigators, as well as TV rights holders, have been working behind the scenes to combat digital piracy.

Operation Eider was launched by authorities and FACT to combat the increase in dodgy sticks. Image credit: Getty

Operation Eider, meanwhile, is an ongoing campaign launched by authorities and FACT to combat the growing issue around Fire Sticks and other illegal devices.

FACT has built bespoke software and algorithms that sift through social media platforms such as Facebook, as well as message logs and device storage, for red flags.

On Facebook, for example, a simple search for a login to access illegal sports streaming will bring up hundreds of posts. The report namedrops a group called Fire Stick Streaming, which has 3,000 members.

Last year, three arrests were made in Merseyside as part of the operation, while hundreds of letters were sent out to households following the prosecution of Jonathan Edge.

Edge pleaded guilty to three offences under the Fraud Act in November 2024 and was sentenced to three years and four months behind bars for the scheme.

FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said: “These arrests reflect the results of our intelligence-led investigations and the strength of our partnerships with UK law enforcement."

He added: “It may appear harmless, but illegal streaming fuels organised crime and puts viewers at real risk, from scams and malware to data theft.”

More fans are turning to illegal streaming. Image credit: Getty

In terms of the latest crackdown, eight areas are being targeted, according to The Sun. These include: London, the South West, North West, North East, Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire and Humber, and the West Midlands.

The crackdown has already been targeting the following areas:

• London
• Kent
• Sussex
• Norfolk
• Northamptonshire
• Lincolnshire
• Derbyshire
• Staffordshire
• East and West Midlands
• Greater Manchester
• Cheshire
• Merseyside
• Northumbria
• North Yorkshire
• South Wales
• North East and North West of England

Premier League reveal 'serious threat' to fans who illegally stream matches

Last year, the Premier League sent a stark warning to those who break the rules when it comes to streaming.

“Those who choose to consume Premier League matches through illegal streams risk more than just poor viewing quality,” a spokesperson from the league said.

“They expose themselves to serious threats, including malicious viruses that can steal personal data, hijack devices and lead to identity theft and financial fraud. Investigations and prosecutions have also repeatedly uncovered the links between piracy operations and wider serious criminal activity.”