A new warning has been issued to those who sell and watch content via so-called ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks.
The crackdown on those who supply homes with illegal streaming devices, such as adapted Fire TV Sticks, continues to intensify with another seller recently arrested.
Cheshire Police Cyber Crime Unit detectives, along with support from the team at FACT, say they have arrested a 51-year-old man as part of an investigation into illegal online streaming services.
The bust took place on Wednesday 3 July at an address in Widnes, Cheshire with a number of electronic devices including computers, phones, and digital satellite television boxes seized at the address, along with crypto-currency, cash and a small amount of drugs.
Devices found at the property included so-called dodgy Fire TV Sticks which are often adapted to allow homes to watch premium channels, such as Sky Sports and Cinema, without paying the usual monthly price.
All of the devices found at the address are currently undergoing further forensic examination with support from FACT.
Although this latest arrest doesn’t directly target UK homes using illegal streaming devices, police are warning people of the significant risks involved in watching TV without the proper subscriptions.
“While many people think that illegal streaming is a victimless crime, that is simply not the case,” explained Detective Constable Hannah Clement, a Specialist Cyber Investigator.
“It causes an enormous loss to the entertainment industry and is also unfair that millions of people work hard to afford their subscription-only TV services while others cheat the system.
“In addition, by using illegal streaming services, you also increase the risk of receiving malicious software, which gives criminals access to your network and can compromise your personal data. I hope that this warrant acts as a warning to those who knowingly commit or facilitate online copyright infringement.”
This latest arrest comes after one provider of modified Fire devices was recently handed a two-year suspended sentence.
Kevin James O’Donnell, from Liverpool, pleaded guilty to charges of promoting and selling illegally modified firesticks that offered unauthorised access to premium film and television content, including live football matches. It’s thought that around 3,600 people purchased the devices via Facebook and WhatsApp with them then paying a small fee of between £40 – £80 to gain access to platforms such as Sky and TNT Sports.
