Ten suspected illegal IPTV resellers across Ireland have been served with legal warnings as authorities step up efforts to disrupt the sale and distribution of unauthorised television subscriptions.
The latest action by the Federation Against Copyright Theft and Sky targeted suspected operators in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Galway, Laois and Limerick.
The individuals were identified following investigations into services allegedly providing customers with unlawful access to premium television channels, films and live sporting events.
Cease-and-desist notices have instructed the suspected resellers to stop supplying illegal IPTV subscriptions immediately. Those who continue operating could face civil proceedings or be referred to An Garda Síochána.
The services are believed to have supplied thousands of customers. Users have also been warned that information held by illegal providers, including names, contact details and payment records, could potentially be identified during investigations and passed to the relevant authorities.
The action follows a Garda operation in Thurles, County Tipperary, in March. Gardaí searched a residential property as part of an investigation into suspected illegal streaming and money laundering offences. Electronic equipment was seized for examination and more than 500 accounts believed to be receiving illegal streaming services were shut down.
No arrests were made during the Tipperary search, but a file was being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The latest developments show that enforcement is expanding beyond major suppliers to include local resellers and the customers connected to their services. Illegal IPTV operations are frequently promoted through social media, messaging applications and personal recommendations.
Authorities and broadcasters have also highlighted the risks associated with these services, including fraud, malware, theft of personal information, sudden loss of access and possible legal consequences.
The operation is part of a continuing nationwide campaign aimed at dismantling the networks that advertise, sell and distribute unauthorised television, film and sports content.
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