Police warn against modified Fire Sticks, while eleven people are questioned about illegal streaming

Police have questioned nearly a dozen people suspected of selling dodgy devices used to illegally stream premium channels cheaply.

One person was arrested and ten others were interviewed under caution as part of a major crackdown on gadgets such as popular Amazon Fire TV Sticks that have been modified by criminals.

Fire Sticks give users instant access to TV shows from a range of paid streaming apps, such as Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+.

However, people often get versions with unofficial apps on them that provide free or cheap access to premium channels.

We send a clear message that this will not be tolerated

Detective Chief Inspector Emma WarbeyLondon City Police

The City of London Police’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) has carried out a week-long campaign in partnership with anti-piracy organization FACT.

All 11 people questioned are accused of selling equipment that provides illegal access to premium TV content, such as live Premier League matches on Sky Sports.

Officers traveled to various locations including Portsmouth, Wales, Hartlepool, Middlesborough, Leeds, Manchester and Bury to conduct interviews.

Although the main police investigation focuses on sellers, those who buy custom streaming gadgets have been warned that they face several potentially devastating consequences, including data theft, fraud and malware.

“Illegal streaming is a major problem for the industry and although it may appear to be a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity,” said Police Chief Inspector Emma Warbey. Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at the City of London Police.

“At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.

‘By targeting grassroots sellers we are sending a clear message that this will not be tolerated.

“PIPCU will continue to work with law enforcement and industry partners to take action against those offering illegal streaming services and protect consumers from the risks associated with their use.”

All 11 people questioned by officers were given a conditional warning, requiring them to cease their activities and shut down their advertising and social media channels.

A conditional warning gives a person a record in the police system and if they do not comply with the terms of the warning they will go to court and face further prosecution.

Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, added: “The success achieved by this targeted operation is directly attributable to the excellent efforts and strong support of PIPCU.

“Implementing these measures has sent a strong message: piracy is a criminal act that is treated with the utmost seriousness.

“We remain vigilant in monitoring platforms including modified firesticks that promote and distribute illegal streams, and take decisive action against those selling illegal access to premium TV content.

“FACT and its partners are committed to disrupting these criminal operations and non-compliance will result in further law enforcement action.”

Last year, fraudster Steven Mills, 58, from Shrewsbury, was jailed for two and a half years for modified ‘Firesticks’ through a private Facebook group.

His organization received more than £1 million in five years.

A number of suspected sellers have recently received a ‘cease and desist’ letter.