Brits using “dodgy fire sticks” to watch TV can be identified by their bank statements, police forces have warned, as they aim to tackle illegal streaming
Brits watching TV using illegal fire sticks have been warned they will be caught — as police will trace their bank statements.
Authorities understand around four million households access the latest shows and watch live sports illegally with “dodgy fire sticks”. These small devices plug into the back or side of TVs — and can be hacked to unlock hundreds of premium channels, subscription services, the latest films and live Premier League football.
But police are confident they will tackle some of those households with the latest crackdown, which involves the analysis of bank statements. Acting Detective Chief Inspector Alethea Fowler, of the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit in southern Wales, said: “Criminals rarely stop at just one income stream, and by purchasing illicit goods — such as an illegal streaming service fire stick — you are enabling further forms of criminality, often involving exploitation and harm.”
Last month, online bank Revolut was ordered to hand over names and addresses of more than 300 “dodgy box” users to Sky by the Irish High Court after money was transferred to illegal streaming service provider David Dunbar, of County Wexford in the Republic of Ireland.
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Police are said to be drawing up lists of users and their addresses, the Daily Mail reports. They have warned they know device — albeit legitimate itself — can be tampered with or cloned by unscrupulous users or crooks who sell the devices on.
Authorities say those with such sticks could be fined thousands of pounds or even spend time in prison. The nationwide blitz, known as Operation Eider, could see unexpected knocks on front doors by officers who have warrants to search properties.
The crackdown is co-ordinated by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), an antipiracy organisation sponsored by the film and video industry, and police forces across the UK are getting involved. The police can now enforce greater punishment for those found using these illegal devices.
Kieron Sharp, chairman of FACT, said: “We have a wide range of enforcement options — from issuing cease and desist notices to ‘knock and talk’ visits — through to full criminal prosecutions where appropriate. We will take robust action against those involved — not only targeting sellers and distributors, but also those facilitating and profiting from the illegal activity.”
TV viewers tempted to buy an illegal stick because it saves them money could, therefore, actually find themselves financially worse off — and threatened with prison. The biggest sentences will be reserved for “supplying and distributing TV fire sticks and concealing bank transfers linked to criminal activity”.
