An individual was ordered in absentia to pay £258,642.95 under the UK’s Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, according to FACT, the UK’s Federation Against Copyright Theft. He had been sentenced in June 2022, to four years and a half years for selling and advertising illegal streaming devices from 2014 to 2017. No fine had been announced at that time.
Michael Hornung, who is believed to be residing in Cyprus, has three months to satisfy the new order and if in default, will serve an additional three years’ imprisonment.
Long-running investigation
FACT had commenced the investigation on Hornung in April 2014 when, following a test purchase of a device, it was subsequently proven that it enabled access to numerous channels from Virgin’s cable subscription service, including Sky Sports and Sky Movies, without any payment being made.
Read the full press release: £258,000 confiscation order for supplier of illegal streaming devices (FACT)
Why it matters
FACT Chief Executive Kieron Sharp said: “Today’s confiscation order makes clear the consequences of providing illegal streaming services, a serious criminal offence which in this case has led to a substantial prison sentence and now severe financial penalties.
“We are pleased the court have recognised the seriousness of piracy-related crime and we thank Greater Manchester Police for their support and assistance during the course of a complex investigation.
“The money recovered will go back to public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, which assists them in their efforts to bring criminals to justice”.
