Italy leads police operation to dismantle major illegal streaming network

29 November 2024 , 20:23

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Italy leads police operation to dismantle major illegal streaming network

A global police operation has shut down one of the largest illegal streaming services, used by millions worldwide. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of assets and the arrest of suspects involved in the transnational piracy network.

An international police operation has shut down one of the world’s largest illegal online streaming services, used by about 22 million people globally and causing billions of dollars in copyright damages, EU law enforcement agencies stated.

It is estimated that the service caused 10 billion euros ($10.55 billion) in annual financial damages.

According to Eurojust, more than 270 Postal Police officers, in cooperation with foreign law enforcement, conducted 89 searches in 15 Italian regions and 14 additional searches in the operation, dubbed “Taken Down.” It is considered the largest takedown of its kind in Italy and internationally.

The pirated streaming service was run by a transnational, hierarchical organization that illegally captured and resold content from major streaming platforms. The stolen content included Internet Protocol television (IPTV), live broadcasts, and on-demand programs from broadcasters like Sky, Dazn, Mediaset, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount.

Authorities said these illegal streams were available on numerous live-streaming websites, although they have not yet released the domains. The broadcasts were resold to 22 million subscribers via various distribution channels and an extensive network of sellers.

As a result of the takedown, authorities seized over 2,500 illegal channels and servers, including nine servers in Romania and Hong Kong, as well as cryptocurrencies worth over 1.6 million euros ($1.7 million) and 40,000 euros ($42,200) in cash.

The two-year investigation revealed that the criminals used encrypted communication apps, fake identities, and forged documents to evade detection. The arrested suspects now face cyber-related charges.

Elizabeth Baker