Streaming fans given urgent warning over illegal ‘Sky’ sites after four arrested

FOUR people have been arrested for allegedly hosting illegal streaming sites to watch premium Sky channels on the cheap.

Police carried out a series of raids across the UK as part of a crackdown on illegal IPTV services.

AFP or licensorsMore than 200 cease and desist notices also sent to suspected site owners[/caption]

IPTV devices have become common in recent years as people try to save money on their TV subscription bills to watch premium content like football.

It’s thought the foiled operation had more than 500,000 customers.

Over 200 cease and desist notices have also been sent out to individuals suspected of running similar sites warning them to shutdown or face criminal charges.

Officers searched four premises in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stoke throughout February, taking computer equipment, laptops and phones for analysis.

“Anyone tempted to purchase one of these IPTV services should be aware that their money is going towards a fraudulent scheme, and they might well find themselves having a visit from police or other authorities,” Detective Inspector Andy Maclean, from Police Scotland’s Cyber Investigation Department said.

“Money from such activities are often used to fund other crime, so people need to be aware of that.

“This is, without doubt, a form of organised crime.”

One person was charged in relation to intellectual property theft.

And three others have since been released under investigation.

The raids were carried out in a joint effort by the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police and Police Scotland, with support from Sky.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, said: “Organised criminal groups often view the distribution of illegal streaming services as a low-risk, high-reward crime which can be used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity.

“At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.

“We hope that this period of action sends a clear message; PIPCU will continue to work with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against those who provide illegal streaming services and protect consumers against the risks associated with using them.”

Matt Hibbert, Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said: “We will continue to support these efforts to shut down these pirate networks and help protect consumers.”

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