European law enforcement agencies have dealt a significant blow to one of the largest illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) networks operating in and outside the European Union. The illicit service provider, which offered access to over 2,500 TV channels including popular sports broadcasts, was distributing pirated content to a global audience of 22 million users. This action, spearheaded by Europol and Eurojust, underscores the EU’s commitment to tackling large-scale online piracy and protecting intellectual property.
The investigation involved the scrutiny of 102 suspects, resulting in 11 arrests. Law enforcement agencies executed a coordinated effort, including 112 house searches across multiple countries, to seize crucial evidence. The operation led to the dismantling of 100 domains and the seizure of 29 servers used to distribute the pirated content. This dismantling not only disrupted illegal streaming operations but also sent a strong message to other cybercriminals operating in the same domain.
In addition to the servers and domains, authorities confiscated around €1.6 million in cryptocurrency, alongside €40,000 in cash. This highlights the substantial financial gains from illegal streaming networks, which have become a multi-million-dollar industry at the expense of content creators and legitimate service providers. Authorities continue to target the financial assets of those involved in piracy as part of their broader effort to combat cybercrime.
This operation is a testament to the growing international cooperation in addressing cybercrime. It demonstrates that the fight against illegal streaming networks and piracy is far from over. By disrupting the operations of such large-scale piracy services, law enforcement agencies hope to deter future illegal activities, protect content creators, and preserve the integrity of the media industry. The dismantling of this IPTV network is just one part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to crack down on digital piracy across the region.
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