Massive Illegal Streaming Network Dismantled in Europe-Wide Operation
In a major crackdown on illegal streaming, law enforcement agencies across Europe, with support from Europol and Eurojust, have successfully dismantled a vast network responsible for illicitly distributing copyrighted content to millions of users worldwide.
The operation, which targeted 102 suspects and resulted in 11 arrests, focused on individuals who illegally distributed copyrighted movies, series, and over 2,500 television channels, including sports broadcasts. The network provided unauthorized access to this content to over 22 million users globally.
“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,” Europol stated in a press release.
The investigation uncovered evidence of additional criminal activities, including money laundering and cybercrime, which are currently under investigation. The operation involved 112 house searches, leading to the seizure of at least 29 servers, 270 IPTV devices, and around EUR 1.6 million in cryptocurrency and EUR 40,000 in cash.
Europol played a crucial role in coordinating the international effort, organizing virtual meetings, facilitating intelligence analysis, and deploying experts to provide on-the-ground support during the action day.
“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,” the press release stated. “During the investigation phase, Europol analysed the available intelligence, provided cross-match reports and coordinated the next steps with Eurojust.“
