The hi-tech systems have been shut down by police in operations with FACT (Image: Getty)
A crackdown on illegal ‘dodgy ’ has taken place in 15 areas, targeting and Movies.
The broadcaster has warned people they face ‘significant consequences’ reported .
The hi-tech systems have been shut down by police in operations with the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).
FACT, in collaboration with police services, is intensifying efforts to disrupt and dismantle piracy operations across the country by targeting suppliers who are selling unauthorised access to premium content, including film, television and live sports.
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In a two-week enforcement operation recently, FACT and police targeted 30 suppliers of illegal IPTV services. These individuals were visited in person and issued cease-and-desist warnings by post, instructing them to cease illegal activities immediately or face potential criminal prosecution.
The coordinated effort focused on disrupting the distribution of illicit Firesticks and other illegal streaming operations. The clampdown spanned locations across the UK, including London, Cheshire, Kent, Sussex, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, the East and West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Northumbria, and .
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Courts are increasingly imposing severe penalties for illegal streaming operations, particularly those who do not heed warnings.
Kieron Sharp, CEO FACT, commented: “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.
“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. 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.”
Last month the FACT campaign highlighted one offender who was jailed for two years and nine months for offences related to creating and operating an illegal streaming service.
The service provided access to illegal streams, which included Sky Entertainment, Sky Sports and Sky Movie channels, as well as premium television content owned by other national and international broadcasters.
Matt Hibbert, group director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said the sentencing “highlights the significant consequences that can arise for those that get involved in illegally streaming content”.
He added: “We are grateful to the West Midlands Police for acting so robustly to take down a highly sophisticated illegal streaming operation. We will continue to work with law enforcement to protect our content and help keep consumers safe from criminal piracy networks.”