Lanarkshire man arrested in pirate Sky TV raid as cops seize UK customer list

A Lanarkshire[1] man has been been arrested as part of a crackdown on illicit television subscription packages. Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) raided properties in Lanarkshire, Harlow and Chigwell in Essex[2] and Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire on Tuesday, December 12, following an investigation into unauthorised access to Sky TV packages. Two men aged 33 and 35 were arrested on suspicion of fraud, money laundering, and intellectual property offences.

The task force, which targets organised crime[3] in eastern England, says those involved have earned more than GBP800,000 from thousands of dodgy stream sales. Specialist financial investigators also seized GBP17,000 in cash, custom streaming devices and a number of digital devices which were sent for further examination.

The two men were taken into police custody for further questioning before being released on bail.

Enquiries are ongoing. Authorities also seized the customer lists of the two men and have warned that criminal action may be taken against anyone found to be using the illegal streams.

Detective Inspector Steve Payne, from ERSOU's Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: "Yesterday's arrests form part of an investigation into a sophisticated large-scale criminal operation which has generated significant sums of money through the illicit sale of TV subscription packages. "We know from experience that the money generated through illegal means such as this often goes on to fund wider organised criminality, which is why it's key to apprehend those involved.

"We have also gained access to the details of those purchasing the streams, and I would remind anyone doing so that they will be breaking the law and could ultimately be subject to criminal proceedings." Matt Hibbert, Director of Anti-Piracy, UK and ROI, at Sky said: "We're grateful to ERSOU and to the forces involved for taking this action, which will have a significant impact on the illicit sale of Sky TV. We'll continue to support efforts to shut down the organised networks involved in the large-scale theft of our content, and to protect consumers from the risks involved in accessing content in this way.

Anyone concerned about those risks can visit BeStreamWise.com for more information."

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References

1. ^ Lanarkshire (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
2. ^ Essex (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
3. ^ crime (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
4. ^ Glasgow mum 'numb' after cancer diagnosis left her unable to work for a year (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
5. ^ Glasgow refugee lives in fear for family trapped in war-torn Sudan after losing three children (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
6. ^ Glasgow Live's Whatsapp Community here (chat.whatsapp.com)