Gardaí Shut Down Over 500 Suspected Illegal IPTV Accounts Following Thurles Search Operation.
An Garda Síochána has confirmed that more than 500 accounts, suspected of accessing illegal TV streaming services, have been shut down following an intelligence-led operation conducted in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Gardaí searched a domestic residence in the Thurles area on Monday, March 2nd 2026, as part of an operation targeting the alleged provision of illegal streaming services and money laundering offences.
During the search, electronic devices were seized for examination. No arrests have been made at this time. However, a file is being prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Background. Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) delivers TV content over broadband or internet connections. The use of unauthorised IPTV services, often accessed through modified streaming devices commonly referred to as “dodgy boxes”, which may constitute a copyright offence under Irish law.
Under Section 140 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, certain copyright offences can carry significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment upon conviction on indictment.
Wider Context. In separate reporting, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has confirmed it has been engaging with Sky regarding the company’s efforts to tackle illegal streaming, including the proposed use of personal data in anti-piracy activity, subject to data protection requirements.
Tipperary County Council has introduced additional security measures at two public buildings in Clonmel following incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Security personnel have been deployed at Clonmel Library and the Motor Tax Office at Town Hall, Parnell Street, in order to support a safe environment for members of the public and staff using these services.
The Council has said it has a duty of care to ensure that public facilities remain welcoming and secure, and that the matter has been brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána.
These arrangements have been put in place as a preventative measure and will continue to be monitored. The Council will keep the situation under review and will adjust security and operational measures as appropriate in the coming weeks.
Tipperary County Council thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation and encourages anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour at public facilities to report it to An Garda Síochána.
Completion of a charter operation to South Africa to effect deportation orders confirmed.
The Irish government has confirmed the completion of a charter operation to South Africa.
63 people, consisting of 54 adults and 9 children, have been removed from Ireland by charter flight. The children removed were part of family units.
The flight departed Dublin Airport at 5:05pm on Saturday, February 28th 2026 and landed in Johannesburg shortly after 4:00am this morning, Sunday 1, March 2026 (Irish time).
This is the second charter operation this year, and the eighth since the recommencement of charter flights to effect removals and deportation orders in 2025.
Charter flights provide an alternative to commercial flights and can be more appropriate in circumstances when a group of individuals are being removed to the same destination. Charter flights increase the options available to An Garda Síochána to effect orders.
The returnees were accompanied on the flight by members of An Garda Síochána, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer.
Further charter operations will be conducted throughout 2026.
Department of Justice is Finalising Regulations to Enable In-Service Drug and Alcohol Testing for Garda Members.
The Department of Justice has confirmed it is finalising regulations required to enable the testing of serving members of An Garda Síochána for drugs and alcohol. Once the regulatory framework is completed, it will be open to An Garda Síochána to implement an in-service testing regime.
The move follows continued focus on strengthening anti-corruption safeguards within the organisation, including recommendations set out in the Garda Síochána Inspectorate’s 2020 report on countering internal corruption.
The Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) has this week published a review of progress on the 2020 report’s recommendations, finding that 56% of the 34 recommendations have been implemented or partially implemented to date.
PCSA review highlights. The PCSA noted progress in several key areas, including:
The formation and resourcing of the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU), and new policies addressing abuse of power for sexual gain and professional boundaries.
A prohibition on acceptance of gifts or hospitality from covert human intelligence sources (CHIS).
Strong support among members for reform measures, including in-service vetting (supported by 83% in a survey referenced by the PCSA).
The PCSA also highlighted areas where further action is needed, including the absence of a policy and supporting technology to detect and prevent misuse of Garda IT systems, and ongoing concerns regarding compliance with rules on gifts, hospitality and sponsorship.
Regulation drafting “complex” and at an advanced stage: The Department of Justice has previously indicated that regulations underpinning an in-service drugs testing scheme are complex and require detailed consideration, and that drafting work is now at an advanced stage and expected to be finalised.
Engagement with Garda leadership: The PCSA has said the review will be discussed at a public meeting between the Authority and the Garda Commissioner on today, (Thursday, 26th February 2026).
Tipperary – Multi-Agency Operations in Clonmel and Emly (Wednesday, 25 February 2026).
Gardaí have completed planned multi-agency operations at a site in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and a property in Emly, Co. Tipperary, yesterday, Wednesday, 25th February 2026, as part of an ongoing investigations into incidents within the region.
Firearm, stolen vehicle and cocaine, recovered by Gardai.
During a search at the Clonmel site, a stolen vehicle was recovered. The vehicle will now be subject to technical examination, before being returned to the owner.
Ten dogs were also seized during the searches at the site by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), latter due to animal welfare concerns. The dogs are currently receiving veterinary care.
During a search at a property in Emly, a firearm was seized and will be subject to further technical and ballistic analysis. Gardaí also recovered approximately €70,000 worth of cocaine, which will be analysed by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).
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