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The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) is stepping up its efforts to combat the illegal use of 'dodgy' or 'fully loaded' Firesticks for streaming sports and paid-for content. The organisation conducts raids and keeps a close eye on digital sellers of these devices in order to target suppliers. This practice is becoming increasingly common, with FACT's most recent raids taking place across the UK. In collaboration with the police, the crackdown has spanned numerous locations including London, Cheshire, Kent, Sussex, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, the East and West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Northumbria, and North Yorkshire. Working alongside police services, FACT is ramping up its efforts to disrupt and dismantle piracy operations nationwide by targeting those selling unauthorised access to premium content such as films, television, and live sports. The latest two-week enforcement operation saw FACT and the police target 30 suppliers of illegal IPTV services. These individuals were visited in person and sent cease-and-desist warnings by post, instructing them to immediately stop their illegal activities or face potential criminal prosecution. During the enforcement operation, South Wales Police detained a 42 year old Newport man suspected of participating in unlawful IPTV schemes, including selling dodgy Firesticks. FACT and South Wales Police confiscated multiple digital gadgets, including Firesticks, which are currently being examined by forensics experts. Furthermore, FACT submitted numerous removal requests to social media sites and online marketplaces, causing additional disruption to illegal IPTV operations. FACT cautioned that tribunals are progressively handing down harsh punishments for unlawful streaming enterprises, 'particularly those who do not heed warnings'. The organisation noted that private legal action taken by the Premier League led to a 29 year old from Liverpool being sentenced to three years and four months in prison for distributing and utilising illicit Firesticks. The organisation frequently focuses on November because numerous Firesticks are purchased during this period. Kieron Sharp, CEO FACT stated: "Our cease-and-desist measures are not just warnings-they are the first step toward holding offenders accountable. Many who ignored these notices in the past are now facing arrest and criminal charges. We strongly advise anyone involved in these activities to stop immediately. "If you're supplying or using illicit streaming devices or illegal IPTV subscriptions, take this as a clear warning: you are breaking the law and risk facing serious consequences. "We will continue working with the police to track down and shut down these illegal operations. The police across the UK have been unstinting in their efforts to tackle this criminality, and we are grateful for their assistance. "To those using illegal streaming services, the message is that you're not just committing a crime; you are putting yourself at risk. These services often expose users to malware, scams, and data theft, with no recourse when things go wrong. The safest, smartest and only choice is to stick to legitimate providers for your entertainment." FACT receives information from Crimestoppers through anonymous public reports and collaborates with sports rights holders and broadcast partners, including The Premier League, Sky, TNT Sports and Virgin Media, to investigate and prosecute those involved in intellectual property crimes. Digital piracy undermines the rights of broadcasters and content creators by providing users with unauthorised access to premium content without proper compensation. Illegal streaming opens your home to criminals, giving them access to data stored on your network, including banking details and sensitive personal information. Moreover, it can introduce malware, which can further compromise your security.
