UK police are cracking down on illegal Firestick and dodgy fire stick use, targeting millions of households suspected of accessing premium TV and live sports through illegal streaming
Britons using illegal fire sticks to watch television have been cautioned they face being caught – as officers will examine their banking records.
Authorities estimate approximately four million households illegally access the latest programmes and view live sport through “dodgy fire sticks”. These compact gadgets plug into television sets and can be modified to unlock hundreds of premium channels, subscription platforms, recent films and live Premier League matches.
However, police are optimistic they’ll target some of these households through their latest offensive, which includes scrutinising bank statements. Acting Detective Chief Inspector Alethea Fowler, from the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit in southern Wales, explained: “Criminals rarely stop at just one income stream, and by purchasing illicit goods – such as an illegal streaming service fire stick – you are enabling further forms of criminality, often involving exploitation and harm.”
Last month, digital bank Revolut was compelled to provide names and addresses of over 300 “dodgy box” users to Sky by the Irish High Court following money transfers to illegal streaming service operator David Dunbar, from County Wexford in the Republic of Ireland.
Officers are reportedly compiling lists of users and their locations, according to the Daily Mail. They have cautioned that while the device itself is legitimate, it can be modified or duplicated by dishonest users or criminals who then sell the gadgets on. Authorities warn that those possessing such devices could face fines running into thousands of pounds or even imprisonment. The nationwide operation, dubbed Operation Eider, may result in unexpected visits from officers armed with search warrants at front doors, reports the Mirror.
The crackdown is orchestrated by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), an anti-piracy organisation backed by the film and video industry, with police forces throughout the UK participating. Officers can now impose harsher penalties on those caught using these illicit devices.
Kieron Sharp, chairman of FACT, stated: “We have a wide range of enforcement options – from issuing cease and desist notices to ‘knock and talk’ visits – through to full criminal prosecutions where appropriate. We will take robust action against those involved – not only targeting sellers and distributors, but also those facilitating and profiting from the illegal activity.”
TV viewers considering purchasing an illegal stick to cut costs could, consequently, find themselves significantly out of pocket – and facing the threat of jail time. The harshest sentences will be reserved for “supplying and distributing TV fire sticks and concealing bank transfers linked to criminal activity”.
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