Three arrests have been made in Merseyside as part of a coordinated nationwide crackdown on illegal streaming operations, led by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) in partnership with UK police forces.

On 11 December Merseyside Police arrested a couple in the Huyton area on suspicion of supplying illegal IPTV services and seized personal electronic devices for further examination. The arrests follow similar enforcement action on 25 October, when Merseyside Police arrested a man in Birkenhead on suspicion of selling pre-loaded streaming devices. Officers also seized several items, including a mobile phone and a quantity of cash. The suspects in both cases have been released under investigation while police enquiries are ongoing.

The arrests form part of Operation Eider, FACT’s latest campaign to disrupt illegal streaming networks and protect consumers from the risks associated with illicit online content. In November, 14 further cases were identified nationwide across London, the South West, North West, North East, Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire and Humber, and the West Midlands.

Of these, 12 individuals received cease-and-desist (C&D) notices, while two were served with C&Ds via knock-and-talk (K&T) enforcement action, in collaboration with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.

FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said:

“These arrests reflect the results of our intelligence-led investigations and the strength of our partnerships with UK law enforcement. By sharing intelligence and coordinating action across multiple regions, we are effectively dismantling the supply networks that sit behind illegal streaming.

“It may appear harmless, but illegal streaming fuels organised crime and puts viewers at real risk, from scams and malware to data theft. The BeStreamWise campaign which FACT supports, reminds the public that what looks like a bargain can have serious consequences. The safest and only legal way to enjoy the shows and sports you love is through legitimate, licensed providers.”

Detective Sergeant Adam Dagnall of Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit said:

“Illegal streaming may appear to be a cheap alternative, but it is often driven by organised criminals and exposes users to scams and data theft.

“Our partnership with FACT helps us quickly identify offenders and take firm action to disrupt these networks and protect the public from the fraud, malware and wider criminality behind them.”

Alongside action against suppliers, FACT has intensified enforcement targeting end users of illegal streaming services. More than a thousand individuals across the UK have been contacted and warned to immediately stop using illegal IPTV services or risk criminal prosecution. This action followed joint investigations with police that uncovered details of customers who had purchased access to so-called “loaded” Firesticks, Android, or Kodi devices.

FACT continues to work with law enforcement agencies across the UK to identify, disrupt and deter those involved in illegal streaming through targeted operations, cease-and-desist campaigns and criminal prosecutions.