In late July, LALIGA and Alianza (the Alliance Against Audiovisual Piracy) executed a major anti-piracy operation with five simultaneous raids against the illegal platform MagisTV — one of the most widespread IPTV networks in Latin America.
MagisTV has long been a thorn in the side of rights-holders throughout Latin America. The illegal operator also appeared in the 2024 Notorious Markets List (NML) from the Office of the US Trade Representative. That annual assessment identifies online and physical markets that reportedly engage in or facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy.
Across Latin America
This was not the first anti-piracy operation against MagisTV in Argentina. In September 2024, the Argentine government arrested several individuals for selling illicit streaming devices and blocked 70 associated illegal streaming sites, including MagisTV.
In May 2024, a Colombian court sentenced two defendants in the MagisTV Oficial case, which was referred to them by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE). They had violated Colombia’s criminal laws against copyright infringement and use of malicious software and received a 30-month suspended sentence and a substantial financial penalty.
On August 3, 2024, a judge in Ecuador issued a blocking order against eight Web domains that were distributing LigaPro illegally, including Magis TV. A few days later, a China-based company representing MagisTV applied for the trademark for Ecuador’s LigaPro football (soccer) championships. The same Shenzhen-based company had also aplied in Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay and the United States. You couldn’t make this up.
Court warrants
The courts issued multiple arrest warrants. The orders were issued by the Court of Guarantees No. 4 of San Isidro. LALIGA, acting as a plaintiff in the process, actively supports the legal actions.
The operations were carried out in the provinces of Chubut, Mendoza, and Río Negro, with the support of the Argentine Federal Police and local forces (Ddi San Isidro, DUOF of Gral. Roca, Mendoza, Rawson, and Viedma); along with the collaboration of Mercado Libre and Mercado Pago.
Individuals and front company targeted
Among the targets were two stores belonging to UV Mundo Digital, an internet service provider in Trelew and Rawson, which also sold devices with access to MagisTV, presenting itself as a legitimate cable service. The case reveals the lack of involvement and limited cooperation from some internet service providers in the fight against audiovisual fraud.
One of the main targets was internet provider UV Mundo Digital, with offices in Trelew and Rawson in the province of Chubut, which — under the guise of legality — offered subscriptions to MagisTV Pro, even promoting them in its retail stores and on social media. The company is a registered ISP before ENACOM and a member of the CABASE chamber.
Authorities also requested the arrest of four individuals identified as key operators in the distribution of MagisTV Pro. These individuals operated from different parts of the country, using Mercado Pago, Naranja X, and Binance accounts to receive payments — in some cases accumulating amounts exceeding 160 million Argentine pesos. All of them were directly linked to the sale of illegal accounts through banking evidence, IP address records, and messages extracted from messaging applications.
Anti-piracy turning point
This operation is part of a broader international cooperation strategy against piracy led by ALIANZA and supported by LALIGA, a strategy that has been developed over several years. Recent milestones include:
- Implementation of dynamic DNS and IP blocking against illegal sites.
- A court order for the removal of MagisTV and FlujoTV APKs from Google platforms — which the American company still refuses to comply with.
- Organization of the first anti-piracy War Room in Argentina, coordinated by LALIGA, which brought together legal experts, technical professionals, and representatives from the audiovisual sector.
- A coalition with e-commerce platforms, such as Mercado Libre, enabling strategic collaboration.
Through this anti-piracy operation, LALIGA and ALIANZA reaffirmed their commitment to protecting intellectual property rights, ensuring legal access to content, and sustaining the sports and audiovisual industry throughout Latin America.
Further reading
Another blow against piracy in Argentina: sellers of illegal MagisTV packages arrested. Press release. July 24, 2025. LaLiga (Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional)
USTR’s 2024 Notorious Markets report: 38 infringing online markets just scratches the surface. Article. January 10, 2025. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
Colombia: MagisTV Oficial defendants get suspended prison sentences, large fines. Article. May 19, 2025. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
Ecuador: Judge blocks sports pirates. Then one of them applied for the League’s trademark. Article. August 9, 2024. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
Why it matters
“This type of operation demonstrates that CABASE is influenced by some ISPs that violate legal standards related to audiovisual fraud and others that refuse to comply with judicial orders,” said Javier Tebas, president of LALIGA. “We are very satisfied with the collaboration of ALIANZA and LALIGA, as well as with entities like Mercado Libre, which have supported the investigation. We firmly believe that collaboration is key to eradicating audiovisual fraud.”
Using pirate platforms is not only a crime, it is a real risk for users. These apps are often linked to digital fraud networks, enabling the theft of personal data, the installation of malware on devices, and exposure to scams. In addition, their use directly weakens the sports ecosystem by diverting essential resources needed for the development of clubs, competitions, and fan experiences.
