Sky and anti-piracy organisation FACT have launched a major crackdown on illegal streaming, with raids and arrests
A significant crackdown on ‘dodgy firesticks’ has been launched in recent weeks, resulting in numerous raids and arrests following investigations by Sky. A “dodgy box” (or “dodgy stick”) is a modified media player or Android TV device loaded with unauthorised apps used to illegally stream subscription television, live sports, and films at a fraction of the official costs.
These devices are used to stream paid-for content, including sports and services like Disney + and Netflix. Often based on Amazon Firesticks, these devices have software loaded onto them by criminals, and users typically pay a one-off subscription to access all content for free thereafter.
However, a series of raids have been conducted – in the last month alone, six search warrants were executed as part of a two-day operation targeting the suspected supply of illegal streaming services to thousands of customers.
Three men were arrested on Thursday, 25 June: a 47-year-old from Birkenhead and two men, aged 41 and 56, from Prenton. A further three search warrants were carried out on Friday, 26 June, and a 49-year-old man from Prenton was arrested after two more search warrants were executed in Birkenhead and Prenton in connection with the ongoing investigation.
All six search warrants were linked to the suspected provision of illegal streaming services, offering unauthorised access to premium television, films and live sports. The alleged services are thought to have been provided to thousands of customers, causing harm to legitimate broadcasters, the broader creative industries and the jobs they sustain.
Locations of raids highlighted in the last month:
- Birkenhead
- Prenton
- Merseyside
- Carlow
- Wrexham
- Cork
- Dublin
- Kildare
- Galway
- Laois
- Limerick
The individuals were pinpointed through ongoing intelligence-sharing and collaborative efforts between FACT, the UK’s premier anti-piracy organisation, and Merseyside Police. Anti-piracy group FACT (The Federation Against Copyright Theft) and Sky have issued legal warnings to 10 suspected illegal IPTV resellers across Ireland in the latest stage of their campaign against content piracy.
Nick Sumner, Investigations Manager at FACT, stated: “These arrests demonstrate the value of FACT’s intelligence-led investigations and our close partnership with Merseyside Police. This sends a clear message that those involved in supplying illegal streaming services can be identified and held to account.”
Detective Constable Andrew Gibson of the Cyber Dependent Crime Unit commented: “This coordinated operation follows detailed investigative work with FACT and has enabled us to take action against six individuals suspected of supplying illegal streaming services on a significant scale.
“Those selling illegal subscriptions should not assume that operating online will protect them from detection. We will continue to follow the evidence and pursue those believed to be profiting from this activity.”
Enforcement action has targeted individuals operating across Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Galway, Laois and Limerick in Ireland. The legal warnings were served to the 10 resellers after FACT and Sky investigations identified the individuals and their addresses.
These cease-and-desist notices instructed those targeted to stop selling illegal IPTV subscriptions, commonly known as ‘dodgy boxes’, immediately or risk further action, including civil proceedings or referral to the Gardaí. Collectively, the services are believed to have supplied thousands of end-users and those accessing illegal services should be aware that their details may be identified and passed to authorities.
The latest campaign places the focus on the supply of illegal subscriptions, demonstrating that resellers continue to face investigation and potential legal action as part of the wider effort to disrupt piracy across Ireland.
Nick Sumner, FACT Investigation Manager, said: “Illegal streaming depends on a chain of people who promote, sell and provide access to unauthorised content. This latest campaign shows that we will continue targeting every part of that chain.
“Resellers are often the direct link between illegal streaming operations and members of the public. They sell subscriptions locally through personal recommendations, social media and messaging services, while exposing customers to unreliable services and wider risks involving fraud, malware and the misuse of personal information.
“The individuals targeted have been given an opportunity to stop their illegal activity. Those who fail to comply should be under no illusion: the next step could involve civil legal action or referral to the Gardaí.”
The crackdown represents part of a wider assault on content piracy throughout Ireland, focusing on various stages where illicit streaming services are marketed, distributed and utilised.
Matthew Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said: “We’re proud of our continued collaboration with FACT as we work together to disrupt every link of the content piracy supply chain in Ireland. By targeting those who enable and profit from illegal services, we are helping to protect customers and support the long-term sustainability of the creative industries.
“Illegal streaming is not a victimless crime – it damages jobs, drains investment from the Irish creative industries, and places viewers at risk. It also puts money into the hands of criminals. That is why we will continue to take action, alongside our partners, to tackle piracy and drive awareness of its real-world consequences.”
Joanne Elizabeth Hughes, the Licensee of the Rollers Arms in Wrexham, North East Wales, was convicted in her absence of three offences related to the dishonest broadcast of Sky televised programming.
The criminal prosecution against Ms. Hughes was brought by FACT at Wrexham Maelor Magistrates’ Court on 14 July, 2026. The court found that the Licensee had shown Sky Sports football matches without a valid commercial viewing agreement, with the intention of dodging the relevant commercial subscription fee.
Sky Sports content is only accessible to licensed premises via authorised commercial viewing agreements from Sky Business.
Hughes, who is the designated premises supervisor of the Rollers Arms, was ordered to pay total fines and costs amounting to £4,529.55. Businesses that air Sky broadcasts without a commercial viewing agreement risk facing similar action or potential civil legal proceedings.
Nick Sumner, Investigations Manager at FACT, stated: “Licensees are responsible for ensuring that any live sport shown in their premises is supplied through the proper commercial channels. This case demonstrates that where Sky content is shown dishonestly, there can be serious consequences.
“FACT investigates these offences to protect rights holders, legitimate Sky Business customers and the wider licensed trade. We will continue to take action where evidence shows protected content is being used without the appropriate commercial agreement.”
Sara Stewart, Head of Compliance (Commercial Anti-Piracy), Sky Business, added: “Sky Sports is a major draw for pubs and licensed venues, but it must be shown through a legitimate commercial agreement. The vast majority of businesses invest properly in the content they provide to customers, and it is only fair that action is taken where venues try to avoid those obligations. We will continue to support FACT in protecting our customers, our content and the integrity of the commercial viewing market.”