The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) announced the arrest of two individuals and seizure of 3,500 internet protocol television (IPTV) boxes, which were being sold illegally to rebroadcast transmissions belonging to the UAE-based media company OSN, and programming belonging to other ACE members in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
It was the fifth successful raid carried out by the Economic Crime Section of the Emirati Crime Investigation Department (CID) at Dragon Mart Warehouse since November 2023, in collaboration with ACE; bringing the total of seized IPTV boxes to 3,788 and number of arrests to seven.
Dragon Mart claims to be the largest Chinese market and mall in Dubai. More than three dozen electronics dealers operate at Dragon Mart.
The seized IPTV boxes contained pirated premium channels and content from multiple rightsholders. The illegal sale of the IPTV boxes undermines the principle of broadcast licensing and directly effects what broadcasters can pay for sports and entertainment rights.
The raid marks significant progress in the battle against piracy in MENA. Pirate networks in the region cost broadcasters over $1 billion a year and can threaten the viability of businesses. ACE and its members remain committed to cracking down on illegal streaming and distribution of sports and entertainment programs and continue to collaborate with authorities to locate unlawful operators across the region.
Further reading
ACE works with Emirati authorities to seize over 3,500 illegal IPTV boses in major anti-piracy raid. Press release. September 5, 2024. Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Motion Picture Association
Why it matters
The seized IPTV boxes contained pirated premium channels and content from multiple rightsholders. The illegal sale of the IPTV boxes undermines the principle of broadcast licensing and directly effects what broadcasters can pay for sports and entertainment rights.
“We commend the outstanding efforts of the authorities and the police in this successful raid,” said Fiona Robertson, General Counsel at OSN. “This decisive action significantly protects our business against piracy and sends a clear message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated. By working together with law enforcement and industry partners, we can better combat piracy and aim to establish a fair and thriving marketplace for legitimate content providers.”
Karyn Temple, Senior Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel at the Motion Picture Association (MPA), added, “ACE applauds the UAE’s CID for its swift and formidable action in the Dragon Mart raid. Copyright infringement is a crime that stifles creativity and harms the people who work in the industry, ACE members, and ultimately the economy. We appreciate the collaboration and support of OSN and their tireless commitment in the fight against digital piracy.”
