Football fans are being warned not to tune into illegal streams for Manchester United’s clash with Leeds this evening amid a stringent crackdown on illicit broadcasting.
Police are visiting thousands of homes in the UK, targeting those whose names have been flagged in a huge database as part of a major ongoing criminal investigation by using “cutting-edge digital tactics”.
It’s understood customers could face prosecution if they’re caught watching illegal streams, which can be accessed via internet sites, illegal subscription services, or modified boxes – otherwise known as ‘fire sticks’.
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The crackdown comes with the support of major organisations like the Premier League and broadcasters such as Sky, BT Sport and Amazon.
Police have joined forces with anti-piracy investigators from FACT (Federation Copyright Theft) as part of ‘Operation Raider’, which was set up to stop piracy in the TV and film industry.
Illegal streamers are being warned they may be served with notices and that there will be serious consequences if the illicit action continues.
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(Image: PA)
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit, says that “accessing films, TV series and live sports events from unauthorised sources” can expose consumers to “data theft and malware”, and can help “fund criminal organisations”.
Two men, Paul Faulkner and Stephen Millington, were sentenced to a total of 16 months for watching illegal streams in 2021. Investigators say there is a clear link between illegal streaming services and fraud, scams and organised crime.
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