the Taoyuan District Prosecutors’ Office concluded an investigation and formally charged a total of 12 individuals involved in the coordinated sale of illicit streaming devices (ISDs) known as “小雲機上盒.”
These individuals were arrested and sent to prosecutors following multiple simultaneous raids conducted in 2023 by Taiwanese authorities including the Intellectual Property Rights Infringement Squad, Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior.
The matter involved criminal complaints filed by 15 local satellite television broadcasters in Taiwan, alongside a request from Taiwanese investigative authorities to the Japan-based Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA). With help from CODA’s member companies, CODA confirmed the infringement of Japanese television programs, and the member companies filed criminal complaints accordingly.
About the raids
Taiwan’s Intellectual Property Rights Infringement Squad deployed several teams and conducted simultaneous raids in multiple locations, including Taoyuan District in Taoyuan City, Xitun District and Nanh District in Taichung City, and Zhonghe District in New Taipei City, between August 2023, August 2024, and April 2025.
A total of 12 suspects were arrested, and 931 pieces of evidence were seized, including four desktop computers, one laptop, seven mobile phones, and 455 ISDs. Investigations revealed the suspects sold approximately 8,000 ISDs, generating illicit profits estimated at around NT$24 million (approximately ¥120 million as of October 2025).
Why it matters
The total estimated damage to victims amounts to approximately NT$1.1 billion (approximately ¥5.42 billion). It was also revealed that the group had organized a division of labor for roles such as import, sales, and technical support, and conducted extensive sales online to make tracking difficult. Furthermore, it was confirmed that they had established a group on social media and posted instructions on how to use illegal applications made for the ISDs.
Further reading
Group including 12 people charged for selling illicist streaming devices (ISD) in Taiwan. Press release. October 22, 2025. Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA)
Taiwan: Criminal bust of illegal TV vewing app and illicit streaming devices; total of 11 operators arrested in two cases. Press release. September 27, 2023. Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA)
