EU Criminal Network Closed Down Network of 102 Suspects For Illegally Copyrighted Works

Ace Breaking News – European law enforcement stops illegal IPTV service providers

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Criminal network of 102 suspects illegally distributed copyrighted works to over 22 million users worldwide

Law enforcement authorities across Europe, supported by Europol and Eurojust, have taken down one of the largest illegal streaming networks operating within and outside the EU. The investigation targeted 102 suspects, 11 of whom were arrested, for distributing material from streaming services online illegally, including movies and series. They also pirated more than 2 500 television channels such as sports broadcasters, making them available to over 22 million users worldwide without the consent of the copyright holders. In addition to intellectual property crime (copyright infringement), there are indications of further crimes, such as money laundering and cybercrime, which are currently under investigation.

Results of the operation include:

• 102 suspects identified
• 11 people arrested
• Over 112 house searches conducted
• At least 29 servers seized
• 100 domains taken down
• 270 IPTV equipment/devices seized
• Over 560 resellers identified
• Various drugs and weapons seized
• Around EUR 1.6 million in cryptocurrency and EUR 40,000 in cash seized

Europol supported this international case since its inception by organising several virtual meetings and hosting an operational meeting at the Europol Headquarters in The Hague. During the investigation phase, Europol analysed the available intelligence, provided cross-match reports and coordinated the next steps with Eurojust. Collaboration between authorities was set up at Eurojust to take down the streaming service. On the action day, Europol experts were deployed to Croatia, Italy and the United Kingdom with mobile offices and to provide forensic support.

Participating countries:
Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Participating agencies:
Europol, Eurojust, Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA), @ON Network 

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