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Anti-piracy police will target 1,000 homes where football fans watch illegal Premier League broadcasts, then prosecute them if they don’t stop tuning in
- Police will visit 1,000 homes to discuss the use of illegal broadcasts
- They believe fans are using modified fire sticks to illegally watch games
- Police will tell people they could be prosecuted if they keep looking
- They believe that this type of practice can also be linked to organized crime gangs.
Police are reportedly to visit 1,000 homes next week to warn fans they could face prosecution if they continue to watch Premier League matches on illegal broadcasts.
Authorities are working with Federation Copyright Theft (FACT) anti-piracy investigators on ‘Operation Raider’ to track down people who have been watching games in England and across Europe illegally via box mods or fire sticks, as reported by Mirror.
They are now taking matters into their own hands and will go and knock on people’s doors to warn them of the possible consequences of their actions.
Police are ready to visit the homes of people they believe have been illegally watching games.
Selected individuals may receive notices and be asked to stop using the streams immediately to avoid further penalties.
The streams have also been used to watch other sports and movies, which the police are willing to clamp down on.
They consider that this type of practice can also be linked to organized crime gangs.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, said: “Accessing movies, TV series and live sporting events from unauthorized sources is illegal, it can expose consumers to risks such as data theft and malware, and can help finance organized crime.” groups.’
Authorities believe people have been watching high-profile matches on illegal broadcasts
West Mercia Police recently raided an illegal UK-based streaming service and they are keen to continue their work to root out the problem as they have assembled a detailed database to identify those who use the streams.
“We are able to implement cutting-edge digital tactics to identify and detect violators of the law before carrying out enforcement activities in conjunction with our partners,” said Detective Inspector Matt McNellis, Operation West Mercia Cyber Crime Specialist. .
“Illegal streaming is often used to finance serious organized crime and the West Mercia CyberCrime Unit is committed to interdicting this source of criminal revenue and reducing the damage organized crime groups can cause to our communities.”