In Northern Ireland, 38 year old Cormac McGuckin pled guilty on June 4th, to participating in a fraudulent business from 2016 to mid-2020; also admitting to possession of articles for use in fraud on June 18, 2020. Mr. McGuckin also pled guilty to charges of converting criminal property, possessing criminal property and transferring criminal property, according to FACT, the Federation Against Copyright Theft.
On the same date, Maura McGuckin, 34, also pleaded guilty to converting criminal property on holiday-related expenses and car payments, and possessing criminal property. The offences occurred between April 21, 2017 and June 18, 2020.
An investigation was conducted, on suspicion of sale of illegal subscriptions for television channels and broadcasters. The total sum of money involved across all of the charges amounted to more than £700,000.
Both defendents were from Bellaghy, and were sentenced at Omagh Crown Court.
“Brazen operation”
“This was a brazen operation that ran for several years and as though it was a legitimate, legal business,” said Detective Sergeant Robinson from the Police Services of Northern Ireland. “The proceeds of which were used for multiple vehicle loans for high-end car brands, while there was also various large payments on holiday-related expenses.”
A lengthy and complex investigation was conducted by Mid Ulster Criminal Investigation Branch detectives, along with local uniform officers, after being tipped by FACT.
One sentenced to prison
In reward for his efforts, Mr McGuckin was sentenced to four years, half to be served in prison and half on supervised release. Maura McGuckin received a 12 month term, suspended for two years.
In addition, a confiscation investigation was conducted by the Economic Crime Unit with a view to seizing the defendants’ available assets. The amount to be confiscated will be determined at a future hearing.
Further reading
A man and woman from County Londonderry sentenced for offences in relation to supplying illegal subscriptions. Announcement. Received by Piracy Monitor on October 11, 2024. FACT
Why it matters
Detective Sergeant Robinson reflected that “This is not a victimless crime as this type of operation has a direct impact on businesses and consumers and our message to anyone involved in this type of crime is that it will not be tolerated and, working with partner agencies, police will investigate.
“Users and subscribers of illegal services should also be aware that they too are committing an offence for which they can be identified and prosecuted.
“It is no surprise that those who provide illegal streaming have no concerns for your private information, including bank details. The software and devices used to stream the footage can be used to harvest personal data. That ‘cheap subscription’ could end up costing you an awful lot more,” he said.
