Five illegal streaming operators have been jailed for more than 30 years after a case brought forward by the Premier League.
Police were set for a fresh crackdown on illegal streaming sites like Hesgoal earlier this year and were reported to have visited around 1,000 UK homes in January. Piracy is a prevalent issue in sport with millions flocking to try and get their content for free but users were threatened with criminal prosecution after Hesgoal was taken down.
This particular operation, according to the Daily Mail, involved people between 30 and 46 and they operated 'one of the UK’s largest illicit streaming services and made millions of pounds selling TV sticks to over 50,000 customers and resellers, which allowed them to access streams illegally to watch most, if not all, of the most valuable sporting events in the world.' It is the world’s largest-ever prosecution of an illegal streaming network.
Between 2016 and 2021, their scheme generated in excess of £7million through three pirate streaming organisations 'which offered illegal access to content including live Premier League matches.' Those in question were sentenced at Chesterfield Justice Centre on Tuesday, after being 'found guilty of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and contempt of court.'
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