At the end of April, a significant London-area piracy case drew to its conclusion, resulting in significant convictions and financial recoveries. Underway since December 2022, the joint investigation had focused on the illegal broadcasting, supply, and distribution of Internet Protocol Television Services (IPTV) within the UK and Europe.
The piracy operation, which was conducted from both a business and a private residential address in Ilford, involved the unauthorized provision of Sky TV, TNT Sports, and other digital television services to individuals using Amazon Fire Sticks and TV set-top boxes.
The Barking and Dagenham Council led the case on the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and proceedings were held at Snaresbrook Crown Court from April 14th through the 17th, to recover the financial benefits accrued from their criminal activities.
It was a collaborative effort between the National Crime Agency Accredited Financial Investigator (NCA AFI), Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge Councils, Sky Broadcasting UK Limited (Sky UK), and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).
The court assessed the illicit gains at £340,000 and £70,000 for each defendant, respectively. Expert evidence provided by the AFI over two days resulted in POCA Confiscation Orders being granted for these amounts.
One defendant had left for Pakistan to evade justice but was convicted in their absence and sentenced to seven years imprisonment. His co-accused received a five-year sentence for his involvement. An investigation that required extensive technical expertise to trace criminal finances led to a criminal trial in September 2023.
The identities of the individual defendants and the piracy operation were not identified.
Further reading
Joint investigation leads to major convictions and financial recoveries in IPTV piracy case. Press release. May 8, 2025. London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, UK
Why it matters
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This case exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in tackling complex financial crimes. The combined expertise and dedication of all parties involved were crucial in bringing these offenders to justice and recovering significant criminal proceeds.”
