Michael Barrow, operator of the illegal IPTV service “MB Streams”, was sentenced to three years and two months’ imprisonment at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, after pleading guilty to three Fraud Act offences for supplying access to Premier League matches, and a variety of other content.
The prosecution was undertaken by the Premier League and was supported by a number of organisations, including FACT and the TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit’s Economic Crime Team in southern Wales.
“Illegal streaming is often linked to wider criminal activity and can expose fans to serious risks, including fraud, malware and identity theft,” said Stefan Sergot, Director of Legal – Enforcement, for the Premier League. Tackling these services is therefore not only about protecting intellectual property, but also about helping to safeguard fans from harm.”
Details of the piracy operation
Barrow was found to have sold illegal IPTV subscriptions and pre-loaded Firesticks to almost 2,000 customers and generated more than £200,000 through his criminal operation. He delivered his own-branded “MB Streams” service directly online and via third-party apps.
Barrow initially promoted his service via Facebook posts. However, after receiving a cease and desist notice at his home address, he altered his approach in an attempt to avoid detection. This included moving to a referral-only model, restricting sales to known individuals and encouraging customers to come to his home to pay by cash. Where payments were made online, customers were also instructed to disguise transactions as purchases of retro football kits.
He was warned
“Barrow was given a clear warning to stop his illegal activity but instead chose to continue supplying devices and services that enabled people to access paid-for content unlawfully,” said Kieron Sharp, Chairman of the UK-based Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), an anti-piracy agency. “This was a deliberate and sustained criminal operation,” said Mr. Sharp.
Emma Brown, Regional Fraud Development Officer for Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit, added: “It is disappointing that Michael continued to offend despite being issued with a cease and desist notice in 2021. He was clearly warned that his activities were illegal and that continuing with them could lead to serious consequences.”
Why it matters
The Swansea Crown Court judge described the operation to be a large scale, highly sophisticated and prolonged commercial fraud, and made clear that Barrow’s failure to comply with the cease and desist notice was a significant aggravating factor.
Further reading
Man sentenced to over three years in prison for supplying illegal streaming services. Press release. June 2, 2026. Premier League
