An international police operation has successfully dismantled one of the world’s largest illegal online streaming services, which had been accessed by over 22 million users worldwide. The operation, led by law enforcement agencies from nine European Union countries and the UK, also uncovered billions of euros in copyright damage.
The crackdown involved more than 100 searches and led to the arrest of 11 suspects in Croatia. The operation targeted individuals involved in the illegal distribution of films, TV series, and over 2,500 television channels, including sports content.
Eurojust and Europol reported that the illegal streaming service generated more than 250 million euros in illicit profits each month, resulting in an estimated 10 billion euros in damages to copyright holders. Authorities say the suspects used encrypted messaging services and false identities to avoid detection, complicating the investigation.
In addition to copyright infringement, there are indications that the suspects may also be involved in money laundering and cybercrime, according to Europol. The illegal streaming business contributed to a significant rise in piracy, with 215 billion visits to illegal sites reported in 2022, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.
