Former detective claims Premier League 'dodgy stick' users can expect 'knock and talk' visits amid new detection method
A former detective has claimed that authorities are looking closely at the accounts of arrested sellers to “see who has been paying money for these illegal things.”
Rav Wilding, a former detective, appeared on the BBC Morning Live show to warn users of ‘dodgy sticks’ that “knock and talk” visits could increase as a result of the detection method.
According to Wilding, the authorities aren’t just cracking down on sellers in house raids, but they are actively viewing account information to locate suspected customers’ details.
Former detective claims new ‘dodgy stick’ detection method will crack down on illegal Premier League viewers
After locating these details, the suspected ‘dodgy stick’ users, of which there are an estimated four million people or households in possession of such Fire Sticks, are contacted.
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“All of them are using them illegally,” began Wilding. “They’re going for the distributors. They’re going for the sellers. They are having a lot of success.
“But actually, once they’ve got the seller, they’re going through their accounts,” claimed the former detective. “They’re seeing who has been paying money for these illegal things.
“And if they’ve been paying them for these sticks, then people should possibly expect a conversation or two, if police want to know why they’ve been paying them money for this.”
Wilding claimed that the detection method includes sifting through bank statements to find the information of suspected users in possession of the Fire Sticks.
He also revealed that subscription service providers – Wilding didn’t specify any in particular – have joined forces with the authorities in their clampdown efforts.
Former detective explains crime and punishment of ‘dodgy stick’ possession for illegal Premier League viewing
The 49-year-old, a regular reporter on crime-related issues for the BBC, explained that “owning the stick itself is not a crime, but using it for this purpose is.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s something you should do,” said Wilding. “It actually is a crime, and it can have a nasty fine, a huge fine, and also a custodial sentence for users and sellers of these things.
The former detective then revealed that subscription service providers, ‘dodgy’ Fire Stick trade, are also reaching out and taking actions against users.
The devices provide customers with illegal access to a range of television services, including Premier League matches, without paying the lawful subscription costs.
Wilding stated that users are “buying them online, usually on the black market” to access paid services for free, while urging viewers to be cautious of ‘dodgy stick’ usage and trading.
Topics: Premier League
Kedar Bayley
