Worcester Trading Standards officers aided by West Mercia Police, in partnership with FACT and BT, executed a warrant on Tuesday 14 December as part of the continuing fight against illegal streaming.
Officers visited two addresses in Worcester and seized a variety of equipment relating to the provision of internet protocol television (IPTV). At main suspects property there were over 15 signed sports memorabilia framed football shirt, boots and boxing gloves worth over £10,000 which clearly illustrated the proceeds of crime that have been made from this fraudulent activity.
The illegal IPTV service provided access to premium content including TV, films and sport.
Despite being previously issued with Cease and Desist notices, the individuals continued to offend and are now subjects of an ongoing investigation.
Initiated by BT, FACT referred this investigation to the Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) part of the Regional Organised Crime Unit, which enabled progression by Worcester Trading Standards
Sergeant Carl Jones said: “We assisted colleagues from ROCU (Regional Organised Crime Unit), Trading Standards, BT and FACT on Tuesday morning in executing two search warrants in Worcester. The searches yielded a significant amount of material relating to high value fraud and have been seized. Two men are now helping Trading Standards with their enquiries.
“This operation sends a strong message to organised criminality that we are homing in on those who knowingly commit or facilitate online copyright infringement.”
“Not only is there an enormous loss to the entertainment industry with this particular operation crime but it is also unfair that millions of people work hard to afford their subscription-only TV services while others cheat the system.”
Regional GAIN Co-ordinator Jason Grove, from the Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “Today’s action is an excellent example of our multi-agency working to tackle fraud and organised crime.
“These kinds of offences cost the UK economy and in particular the film and television industry millions of pounds each year and today shows that we will take action against those involved. Anyone with information about this kind of crime can report it to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”
