Police have visited homes up and down the country in the latest crackdown on 'dodgy' firesticks used to watch illegal sports streams.
Despite the risks of illegally streaming sport and the security threats involved, one in ten Brits have admitted to using illicit means to watch live sport, according to a YouGov poll conducted last year.
The rise of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) has contributed to the increase in illegal streaming, with users accessing paid content through 'jailbroken' firesticks.
The Mirror report that the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) has now launched a new two-week enforcement operation in conjunction with local police forces, to crack down on illegal streaming.
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The overall aim is to dismantle piracy operations, targeting more than 30 suppliers selling unauthorised access to paywall content including live sport.
As part of the crackdown, individuals were both visited in person and issued cease-and-desist warnings by post. They were told they could face potential criminal prosecution if they didn't immediately stop their activities.
Where has the crackdown taken place?
The clampdown took place in a number regions across the UK, including:
- London
- Kent
- Sussex
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Lincolnshire
- Staffordshire
- East and West Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Merseyside
- Northumbria
- North Yorkshire
It comes just weeks after a 29-year-old man from Liverpool, Jonathan Edge, was handed a custodial sentence for loading and watching illicit streams on firesticks.
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Edge was sentenced to three years and four months in prison after he pleaded guilty to three offences under the Fraud Act.
The prosecution was undertaken by the Premier League and supported by several organisations, including FACT and Merseyside Police.
While it is not against the law to own 'jailbroken' streaming device like a firestick, it is illegal to use one to stream paywalled content for free.
FACT CEO Kieron Sharp has warned fans they could face “serious consequences" if they use such technology.
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"Our cease-and-desist measures are not just warnings - they are the first step toward holding offenders accountable. Many who ignored these notices in the past are now facing arrest and criminal charges. We strongly advise anyone involved in these activities to stop immediately," he said.
"If you’re supplying or using illicit streaming devices or illegal IPTV subscriptions, take this as a clear warning: you are breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences. We will continue working with police to track down and shut down these illegal operations.
"The police across the UK have been unstinting in their efforts to tackle this criminality and we are grateful for their assistance. To those using illegal streaming services, the message is that you’re not just committing a crime; you are putting yourself at risk.
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"These services often expose users to malware, scams, and data theft, with no recourse when things go wrong. The safest, smartest and only choice is to stick to legitimate providers for your entertainment."
Amazon Fire Stick 4K - how much is it and what features does it have?
This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group will make a commission on anything purchased.
There are currently a handful of Amazon Fire Sticks on offer ahead of Christmas.
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These include the Fire TV Stick 4k (currently £34.99 down from £59.99) which allows users to legally stream thousands of films and TV shows on Netflix, Apple TV+ and Disney+.
It also features Alexa Voice control and is compatible with devices like lights, thermostats and smart cameras.
Plus, by using a clever hack, you can skip out on year-long subscriptions and instead enjoy a host of sports streaming channels when scheduling suits you.
Topics: IPTV, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan