COPS have issued a warning about modified fire sticks following the arrest of a man in a crackdown on illegal streaming.
Detectives from the Cheshire Police Cyber Crime Unit, with the support of FACT, have arrested a 51-year-old man as part of an investigation into illegal online streaming services.
At around 9.30am on July 3, officers conducted a warrant at an address in Widnes.
A man was arrested on suspicion of fraud offences, possession of criminal property and possession of Class A drugs (cocaine).
He has since been released under investigation as further enquiries are carried out.
A number of electronic devices, including computers, phones and digital satellite television boxes were seized at the address, along with cryptocurrency, cash and a small amount of drugs.
These devices are currently being further forensically examined by FACT.
Detective Constable Hannah Clement, a Specialist Cyber Investigator, said: “While many people think that illegal streaming is a victimless crime, that is simply not the case.
“It causes an enormous loss to the entertainment industry and is also unfair that millions of people work hard to afford their subscription-only TV services while others cheat the system.
“In addition, by using illegal streaming services, you also increase the risk of receiving malicious software, which gives criminals access to your network and can compromise your personal data.
“I hope that this warrant acts as a warning to those who knowingly commit or facilitate online copyright infringement.”
Anyone with any information in relation to the sale, distribution, or promotion of illegal streaming devices is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
FACT is the Federation Against Copyright Theft, a British organisation established in 1983 to protect and represent the interests of its members’ intellectual property (IP).
In an unrelated incident, a 42-year-old man, thought to be from Nottingham, was arrested last month after allegedly distributing top-tier shows, films, and sports by illegally streaming Sky TV for free.
Authorities have also threatened individuals could be in for a surprise as their streams go dark.
The police currently have powers under various acts including the Proceeds of Crime Act, Computer Misuse Act, and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.
Last year, a survey by global research firm YouGov Sport found that 5.1million adults in England, Scotland and Wales admitted to watching sport via an illegal streaming website or pirated app.
It comes after a man who fled the UK after selling thousands of illegal IPTV boxes with access to premium Sky and BT channels was finally jailed.
Michael Hornung, 40, from Hyde, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for running the scheme and pocketing an estimated £350,000.
The TV boxes he sold provided access to subscription services from Sky, BT, and Virgin Media, as well as thousands of on-demand films and pay-per-view content.
Households using dodgy streaming gadgets were also recently slapped with a “stern warning” after an illegal TV operation was busted.
Two men running the “Titan Streams” illegal streaming ring were caught selling illegal Sky and TNT Sports subscriptions to thousands of people, according to Worcestershire county council.
Benjamin Yates and Lewis Finch pleaded guilty to illegally supplying Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) which allows access to paywalled services for free.
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