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.
Report: 17 UK areas being targeted in 'dodgy stick' crackdown on 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.
According to the Daily Mail, who previously contacted the Federation of Copyright Theft, also known as FACT, those involved with the illegal trade can expect “knock and talk” visits.
Kieron Sharp, the chairman of FACT, said: “We have a wide range of enforcement options - from issuing cease and desist notices to “knock and talk” visits - through to full criminal prosecutions where appropriate.
“We will take robust action against those involved - not only targeting sellers and distributors, but also those facilitating and profiting from the illegal activity.”
According to the Liverpool Echo in January 2026, using Merseyside as the area, no ‘dodgy stick’ arrests were made in 2023, according to FOI figures.
Two arrests were made in 2024, followed by another two in 2025; the publication added that FACT previously warned of £50,000 fines for suppliers of the Fire Sticks.
A separate report from the Echo, also in January of this year, reported that the following 17 UK areas were being targeted in ‘dodgy stick’ crackdown efforts, including house raids:
- London
- Kent
- Sussex
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Lincolnshire
- Derbyshire
- Staffordshire
- East and West Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Merseyside
- Northumbria
- North Yorkshire
- South Wales
- North East England
- North West England
Topics: Premier League
Kedar Bayley
