MORE than a thousand Brits have been sent warning letters after they were caught illegally streaming Premier League games with dodgy devices.
Police have seized the details of households across the UK who have purchased so-called “loaded” Fire Sticks, or Android and Kodi boxes.
These modified devices provide access to a number of premium TV services, including live football matches and unreleased movies.
Merseyside Police got hold of user details after taking down a huge illegal streaming network run by 30-year-old Brit Jonathan Edge last year.
The dad of two was jailed for three years and four months after pleading guilty to three offences under the Fraud Act in November 2024.
“Merseyside Police takes illegal streaming seriously because it often helps fund organised crime and puts users at real risk,” said Detective Sergeant Adam Dagnall of Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit.
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“Not only is it a criminal offence, but the unauthorised streaming services frequently contain malware that can compromise personal devices and lead to the loss of information such as banking details, or be used to commit identity fraud.”
Anti piracy group FACT has now sent caution letters out to those who used devices supplied by Edge to warn them they’re breaking the law – and of the dangers of fraud.
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Experts estimate that the average victim of fraud when signing up to illegal apps loses £1,680.
T/DCI Alethea Fowler of Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit, added: “Users of illegal streaming services may see it as a harmless crime, but there is no such thing.
“Not only do the end users of these services face risks such as loss of personal data and fire risk to their property, but they are also funding serious and organised crime.
“Criminals rarely stop at one income stream, and by purchasing illicit goods you are enabling further forms of criminality, often involving exploitation and harm.
“We would encourage anyone who is considering using illegal streaming services to consider the risks to themselves, their families, and their wider communities.”
The move comes as Amazon cracks down on illegal streaming apps loaded onto Fire Sticks.
It started with alerts that told users the app they were trying to open would soon be banned.
But in the last few weeks the ban has intensified with no way for people to dismiss the alert.
FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said: “The risks are real, from potential criminal liability to exposure to scams, viruses, and harmful content.
“We urge people to protect themselves and their families by only using legitimate providers.”
WHY HAS AMAZON BLOCKED ILLEGAL STREAMING ON FIRE STICKS?
Here’s what tech industry expert Paolo Pescatore, of PP Foresight, thinks…
“Bottom line, it was about time, and it is the right thing to do,” he told The Sun.
“There’s much more the industry can do as a whole.
“More and more people are streaming illegally, and in many cases, they think the services are genuine.
“Sports is typically the genre that generates the most attention, given the escalating costs.
“With moves towards direct-to-consumer services online, the issue will only proliferate.
“Everyone has to do their part to address this problem, which is costing the industry a lot of money.”
Image credit: Getty
