Four held in £3m illegal TV streaming raids

Four held in £3m illegal TV streaming raids

Authorities have apprehended four individuals suspected of operating an illegal TV streaming network that is believed to have generated millions in revenue. Raids conducted in areas across Greater Manchester and Lancashire led to the seizure of 10 servers along with high-end equipment valued at approximately £750,000.

Among those arrested were a 40-year-old man from Blackpool, a 49-year-old man from Bolton, and two women aged 40 and 21, also from Bolton. They face charges including conspiracy to distribute copyright-infringing content and money laundering. According to the City of London Police, one of the suspects is thought to have earned in excess of £3 million through the operation.

The investigation was initiated after Sky reported suspicious activities concerning the streaming services. During the enforcement action, the police disabled the servers linked to the illegal network. Although the arrested individuals have since been released under investigation, authorities continue to probe the matter.

Detective Constable Jordan Day emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, “These services are not harmless alternatives, they are examples of organised criminal operations generating millions in illegal profits.” He underscored the importance of safeguarding the integrity of broadcasting and holding those who profit from piracy accountable. Matt Hibbert, Sky’s group director of anti-piracy, added, “We take the protection of our content extremely seriously given the significant investment we make, and will continue to work with the police and industry partners to disrupt the criminal networks behind piracy.”

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