The number of individuals in the UK illegally streaming sports and other channels has surged significantly, presenting challenges for police forces attempting to prosecute those breaking the law. This information comes from the head of the UK’s intellectual property crime unit.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, who leads the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at the City of London Police, acknowledged that many individuals can use illegal streaming devices without fear of arrest. The police focus primarily on targeting organized crime groups and resellers at the helm of such operations.
According to Warbey, the use of internet TV media boxes or “sticks” for illegal streaming is increasing, devaluing the sports rights market. These devices can be preloaded with software that streams unauthorized sports and channels globally.
Warbey emphasized that using illegal streams is not a risk-free way to access media content, citing connections to fraud and funding for organized crime. Her team prioritizes tackling the upper echelons of these schemes, as halting individual users is problematic. “We always follow the money and target larger organized crime groups,” she stated.
Both broadcasters and law enforcement express concerns about the normalization of piracy among sports fans in the UK and Europe due to the rise of illegal streaming devices. They warn that such piracy threatens the value of exclusive football and other sports broadcasting rights, often erroneously perceived as a victimless crime.
Warbey highlighted the link between pirated sports and financial crimes, advising users to exercise caution. “Money from these activities often funds various criminal enterprises, undermining the idea that it’s a victimless crime.”
For lower-level sellers of illegal services, police initially use “cease and desist” letters, warning them of potential arrest if they continue. “Such letters can be effective as the practice is widespread in the UK,” said Warbey. Finding other tactics is necessary since widespread arrest is impractical.
Warbey also raised concerns about consumers inadvertently sharing personal details with fraudsters, increasing their risk of becoming victims of fraud. The cost-of-living crisis has led more people to seek illegal but cheaper sports streaming options.
Recently, Sky criticized Amazon for not adequately addressing the illegal use of its Fire Sticks for streaming pirated content. It is estimated that Amazon devices account for a significant portion of illegal Premier League football streaming in the UK, costing the industry substantially.
Amazon has prohibited the sale of illegal streams on its platform and has issued warnings about the risks of using apps from unknown sources on its Fire TV service.
The City of London Police leads anti-piracy efforts, with Warbey’s team supported by the Intellectual Property Office. Companies like Sky can also initiate private prosecutions and collaborate with other police forces. Sky has secured a High Court order to block piracy services from streaming its content.
Lengthy criminal investigations mean resources are concentrated on large criminal networks. Warbey’s team recently participated in an operation that dismantled a major illegal streaming service, impacting millions worldwide. A significant ongoing case will be heard in court in October.
Warbey noted the need to target the higher-level criminals with extensive networks of resellers. Illegal streams cover not only sports but also TV shows and channels unavailable or requiring payment in the UK, as well as British-only content sold in Europe.