In 2024, an individual was convicted of administrating the illegal service Viking IPTV. He received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay daily fines and substantial damages to affected film and television companies.
The convicted man withdrew his appeal, making the ruling by the Patent and Market Court legally binding.
The preliminary investigation indicated that the individual had earned significant proceeds from the crime. The man himself told the newspaper Expressen that his revenue was approximately 12 million SEK per year (equivalent to about US$1.2 million); about 80% of which was profit.
The court’s verdict noted that the man accepted payments via Bitcoin and PayPal for Viking IPTV’s services. A Bitcoin wallet containing approximately 12.77 Bitcoins was seized as part of a police raid on that operator.
The Swedish Enforcement Authority has now sold the seized 12.77 Bitcoins for SEK 9,550,000 (equivalent to about US$1 million). The media calls the sales a “record auction“.
Why it matters
The Swedish Rights Alliance has worked actively to get the issue of illegal iptv higher on the political agenda in the country. The organization has stressed the importance of implementing the proposals resulting from the government’s recent film inquiry, and of ensuring they lead to amended legislation, a prioritized effort from authorities, and continued inquiry regarding blocking procedures.
Further reading
Sale of Bitcoin in Viking IPTV. Article. December 2025 Newsletter. Swedish Rights Alliance
Proposed new law could mean fines on 700,000 users of illegal IPTV. Article. October 3, 2025. by Steven Hawley. Piracy Monitor
