UK: BT initiates anti-piracy collaboration in West Midlands, equipment seized

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Authorities visited two Worcester addresses to execute a warrant against a pirate streaming video operation. Officers seized a variety of equipment. Initiated by BT, FACT referred this investigation to the Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN), which enabled the action by Worcester Trading Standards.

The illegal streaming service provided access to premium content including TV, films and sport.  Individuals were running an ongoing operation despite being previously receiving Cease and Desist notices, and are now subjects of an ongoing investigation.

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ROCUs and GAIN: a law enforcement network

ROCUs (Regional Organised Crime Units) are an anti-crime network of regional law enforcement units.  Police foces of Staffordshire, West Midlands, West Mercia and Warwickshire collaborate through the West Midlands ROCU.

Image source: West Midlands ROCU

GAIN is a multi-agency network mainly made up of public sector agencies, set up to exchange information about organised criminals. There is a GAIN team in each ROCU, led by a GAIN co-ordinator.

According to a UK government Web site (HMICFRS), there are nine ROCU units across England and Wales; each serving between three and seven constituent forces. They provide specialist capabilities to forces and also provide online resources to help consumers defend against cybercrime, fraud and identity theft, and other concerns.

Read FACT press release

Why it matters

“This operation to help stamp out accessing TV illegitimately is yet another good example of our Trading Standards Officers working with partners, and other colleagues to tackle illegal activity in the County,” said Councillor Karen May, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing. “I’m really grateful for partners working together to help crack down on those breaking the law here in Worcestershire.”

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