A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud offences, possession of criminal property and possession of Class A drugs (cocaine). Officers conducted a warrant at an address in Widnes (UK) on July 3. The individual was released pending further investigation.
A number of electronic devices including computers, phones, and digital satellite television boxes were seized at the address, along with crypto-currency, cash and a small amount of drugs. These devices were undergoing further forensic examination with support from FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) as this article was published.
Further reading
Man Arrested as part of crackdown on illegal streaming services. Press release. July 4, 2024. Cheshire Constabulary (UK)
Why it matters
“While many people think that illegal streaming is a victimless crime, that is simply not the case,” said Detective Constable Hannah Clement, a Specialist Cyber Investigator. “It causes an enormous loss to the entertainment industry and is also unfair that millions of people work hard to afford their subscription-only TV services while others cheat the system.

“In addition, by using illegal streaming services, you also increase the risk of receiving malicious software, which gives criminals access to your network and can compromise your personal data. I hope that this warrant acts as a warning to those who knowingly commit or facilitate online copyright infringement,” she said.