The targets reportedly offered \u2018fully loaded\u2019 smart TV devices or Firesticks, which can be used in combination with pirate IPTV subscriptions.<\/p>\n
FACT and the 40 IPTV Operators<\/h2>\n
FACT mentions that 40 illegal \u2018IPTV operators\u2019 were served with official warnings. They were either notified via mail by FACT and police, or visited at their home, where a cease-and-desist notice was delivered personally.<\/p>\n
The term \u2018IPTV operator\u2019 isn\u2019t explained in detail but since the 40 seemingly got off with a warning, it\u2019s unlikely that they played a central part in the broader IPTV piracy ecosystem.<\/p>\n
These interventions took place across the UK, including in London, South East England, West Midlands, North West, North East, North Wales and Scotland. According to FACT, it\u2019s part of a larger campaign that aims to disrupt piracy operations.<\/p>\n
Three Arrests<\/h2>\n
In addition to the warnings, police also executed three warrants, resulting in three arrests and house searches. All three suspects have since been released, but investigations remain ongoing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThree warrants were also served leading to the arrest of a 42-year-old man in Nottingham, a 51-year-old man from Widnes and a 52-year-old man in Stockton-on-Tees,\u201d FACT reports.<\/p>\n
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![\"arrest\"](\"https:\/\/torrentfreak.com\/images\/konck.jpg\")
<\/center> <\/p>\nThe men were arrested on various grounds ranging from fraud offenses, to violations of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, possession of criminal property and possession of Class A drugs.<\/p>\n
Several items were seized during the operation, including IPTV streaming devices which will be investigated further.<\/p>\n
\u201cDigital devices and \u2018fully loaded\u2019 smart TV devices or Firesticks were also seized from the addresses and are currently undergoing forensic examination by FACT,\u201d the group adds.<\/p>\n
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![\"seized\"](\"https:\/\/torrentfreak.com\/images\/loot-uk.jpg\")
<\/center> <\/p>\nFor those keeping track of law enforcement action in the UK, including arrests and seizures, it\u2019s worth pointing out that the arrests mentioned above have already been heavily publicized.\u00a0Each arrest<\/a>\u00a0appeared in its own press release, around the time they were carried out\u00a0early to mid-June<\/a>.<\/p>\n Besides targeting suspects, Sky has been busy removing advertisements and social media posts that offer illegal IPTV subscriptions and \u2018loaded\u2019 Firesticks to customers in the UK and Ireland.<\/p>\n Since June, the media company reportedly removed over 3,000 listings from various social media platforms. Various ads were removed from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, while associated accounts were suspended.<\/p>\n FACT and Sky are happy with the results and thank the police for their cooperation. Both hope that this latest enforcement round will send a deterrent message, but it\u2019s unlikely to be the last.<\/p>\n \u201cThe action taken by FACT, police and Sky across the country sends a strong message to those involved in illegal streaming operations that they will be identified, and they will face consequences,\u201d Sky\u2019s Matt Hibbert comments.<\/p>\n According to FACT CEO Kieron Sharp, the recent actions are only the beginning.<\/p>\n \u201cFACT and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to disrupt these criminal operations. This is just the start of our enforcement efforts, with more actions planned,\u201d Sharp concludes.<\/p>\n Source: \u00a0Social Media Purge<\/h2>\n
![\"TorrentFreak\"](\"http:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/torrentfreak.png\")
<\/a> TorrentFreak.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"