Cease and Desist notices have been served to individuals suspected of supplying illegal sports streaming services. Police officers from West Midlands and Warwickshire Police were supported by investigators from FACT, the UK-based Federation Against Copyright Theft.
This latest action targeted individuals who were promoting unauthorized access to premium television content, which affects broadcasters and rights owners in the UK and worldwide, causing financial harm to the industry and the economy. Although FACT characterized the individuals as operating at a relatively low level, the objective was to prevent them from undertaking further criminal activity, and to deter others from getting involved.
Methodology
FACT works with the Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) to gather intelligence on and disrupt organised crime groups (OCGs) associated with this illegal activity. This latest action targeted individuals who were promoting unauthorised access to premium television content, which affects broadcasters and rights owners in the UK and worldwide, causing financial harm to the industry and the economy. Whilst all the individuals visited were operating at a relatively low level, the objective was to prevent them from undertaking further criminal activity, and to deter others from getting involved.
“We employ a range of tactics to prevent the provision of illegal streaming. Our continuous activity targets different elements of the global piracy landscape, with consideration given to the scale of the offending to ensure effective and proportionate action is taken,” said FACT CEO Keiron Sharp. “By taking these measures we are sending a clear message. Piracy is a crime, and it is taken seriously by the police. Non-compliance with the notices could lead to further law enforcement action,” he said.
Read the FACT press release (FACT targets suppliers of illegal sports streaming services across West Midlands and Warwickshire)
Why it matters
A spokesperson from the Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) said, “By working in partnership, sharing intelligence lawfully and efficiently, the GAIN aims to ensure that organisations such as FACT, along with law enforcement agencies will help reduce the risk, threat, and harm from serious and organised crime, in the most cost-effective way”.
“This executive action is an example of joint working and shows partner and police dedication to disrupting and dismantling criminal enterprises, which is not your typical drugs and firearms but also high-level fraud that impacts our economy”.
What you can do
FACT asks that anyone with information about this kind of crime report it to Crimestoppers by calling 0800555111. For further information about GAIN and the West Midlands ROCU visit www.wmrocu.org.uk
