The operator of a platform that had been supplying illegal streams to pirate services was convicted and sentenced to 11 months in prison. He also was ordered to pay more than US$90,000 in penalties and damages.
The defendant was found guilty of five criminal charges including various intellectual property and cybercrime-related offenses, following a joint criminal complaint by the Premier League, Sky, and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE).
The ruling also ordered that the websites seized be shut down, the defendant’s devices be cleared of all data, and the deletion of all accounts used for client and customer communication. This reinforces the local judicial authorities’ commitment to protecting global intellectual property rights and combating cybercrimes.
The successful conviction for illegal streaming of live sports events, movies and international TV channels follows a collaborative and coordinated action, alongside local authorities and supported by the Lebanese law firm ALEM & Associates.
Judicial authorities in Lebanon, in collaboration with Lebanon’s Office of Cyber Crime and Intellectual Property successfully pursued the prosecution of this individual, who has been involved in the egregious theft of content for many years.
Further reading
Supplier of illegal streams sentenced to prison in Lebanon. Press release. March 24, 2025. Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE)
Why it matters
Kevin Plumb, Premier League General Counsel, said: “The outcome of this case highlights the severity with which courts across the world continue to treat all forms of piracy, and the stark consequences for those responsible for this criminality.
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, added: “This ruling sends a strong message that those who illegally steal our content will be pursued and can be brought to justice, no matter where in the world they are.”
