Police crackdowns on illegal Fire Stick streaming have had little effect as new figures show usage continues to rise across the UK, a study showed
A significant crackdown on the use of ‘dodgy’ or ‘fully loaded’ firesticks has seemingly had little impact, according to a recent survey. The report suggests that most Brits who are sports enthusiasts now consider it socially acceptable to utilise pirate streaming services.
The Telegraph highlighted findings from the Sport Industry Report 2026, which revealed that research by the Intellectual Property Office estimated nearly four million people in the UK used an illegal source to watch live sport in 2023. A comprehensive dual survey conducted by Nielsen Sports indicates that broadcaster rip-off services like hacked “Fire Sticks” continue to be widespread.
Police forces and fraud prevention units across Britain have been targeting users of modified Amazon Fire Sticks. These tampered devices have found their way into homes nationwide, providing unauthorised access to premium television content without the need for subscription fees.
Fire Sticks function as media streaming devices that allow viewers to watch videos, listen to music, and download apps directly onto their televisions. Criminal networks exploit these gadgets to provide unlawful access to exclusive content from major broadcasters including Sky, BT Sport, Disney+ and Netflix.
Amazon’s latest Fire Stick model has posed considerable obstacles for individuals trying to stream content illegally. The tech giant unveiled its most recent Fire TV Stick device months ago, alongside Amazon’s worldwide crackdown on piracy.
The Sport Industry Report 2026 discovered that despite the threat of imprisonment, the study reveals 58 per cent of supporters and 66 per cent of industry professionals “say it is now socially acceptable to use pirate streaming services”. Assessing the commercial outlook for UK sport, the research also demonstrates 2025 witnessed $4bn pumped into the industry.
A crucial discovery showed that for supporters “affordability emerged as the single biggest issue facing sport’s future”. Nick Keller, chairman of Sport Industry Group, commented: “Today’s research captures a defining contradiction for sport. The industry is confident, yet it is operating in one of the most unstable global environments for generations. Climate disruption, geopolitical tension, AI-driven change, mental-health pressures and social fragmentation are no longer peripheral – they are reshaping how sport operates, competes and grows.”
He added: “This report reflects that tension: optimism about sport’s future, paired with a clear understanding that the next phase of growth will demand more intentional choices than the last.”
Police forces, anti-piracy organisations and television broadcasters have been collaborating to shut down the unlawful firestick trade using monetary sanctions and home raids. 17 UK regions in the crosshairs of ‘dodgy’ Fire Stick crackdown.
17 UK areas targeted in ‘dodgy’ Fire Stick crackdown
- London
- Kent
- Sussex
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Lincolnshire
- Derbyshire
- Staffordshire
- East and West Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Merseyside
- Northumbria
- North Yorkshire
- South Wales
- North East England
- North West England
A spokesperson for National Trading Standards has warned: “Accessing pirated content through illegal TV fire sticks undermines the UK’s entertainment industry, putting its talented workforce and supply chains at risk by depriving them of fair earnings and revenue. It also puts consumers at rise by exposing them to illegal software that can put their data and bank details in jeopardy.”
They added a stern warning to those involved in this illicit trade: “An important reminder to all those who buy and sell TV firesticks is that crime does not pay, it breaches copyright law and we encourage people to report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service.”
It’s believed that nearly five million Brits have tapped into illegal sports streaming services, prompting organisations like the Premier League, Sky and FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) to join forces with law enforcement to stamp out this practice.
Those found guilty of illegal streaming could face fines running into thousands of pounds, and even jail time of up to 12 months. Even harsher penalties are in store for those caught selling such devices.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit, issued a stark warning: “Illegal streaming might look like a quick way to save money, but as this research shows, it’s a false economy that can end up costing people thousands.
“This is a crime that diverts funds away from the entertainment industries, money that supports thousands of technical and support staff. At the same time, it exposes end users to the risks of data theft, cybercrime and fraud. This research is crucial for helping us understand those dangers and why initiatives like BeStreamWise matter.
“They give the public the tools and knowledge to stay safe online and enjoy content legally and securely. We will continue to work collaboratively to ensure that this activity is disrupted and those involved are held to account.”
FACT has warned that both suppliers and viewers could face penalties up to £50,000 for using modified Fire Sticks to illegally access Sky and Premier League programming. While those streaming illegal content may face less severe punishments, they could still be hit with fines running into the thousands.
Illegal streaming can be accessed through various devices, but one of the most common methods involves “jailbroken” Fire Sticks, equipped with third-party media server applications. Kodi is the most frequently used software.
A government spokesperson previously said: “These devices are legal when used to watch legitimate, free-to-air content. They become illegal once they are adapted to stream illicit content, for example TV programmes, films and subscription sports channels without paying the appropriate subscriptions.”
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, remarked: “Together with our partners we will continue to identify and take action against Illegal IPTV service providers. They are breaking the law, making criminal profits and putting consumers at real risk of malware, data loss and identity theft.
“We want to protect consumers from these risks and operations such as this ensure the message goes out. It is not scaremongering; these are real criminal actions which consumers and their families are exposed to. These investigations and operations will continue this new year.”
Amazon has introduced fresh security measures to combat illegal streaming on its devices with the newest version of the Fire Stick. The latest Fire TV Stick 4K Select will run on a different operating system known as Vega OS.
This change means modified Android applications will cease to function on newer models, as the capability to install external software will be removed. Amazon has confirmed that only apps from the Amazon Appstore on Fire TV will be available for download “for enhanced security” in what represents a major obstacle for those developing such alterations.
“Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore,” an Amazon spokesperson said. “Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our Appstore.
“This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.”