Global crackdown on IPTV
If you have an IPTV box, it may be recalcitrant as of November 28, 2024. European and Chinese police have collaborated to block a vast illegal streaming network.
Although popular, IPTV, via illegal streaming platforms, remains prohibited. It allows viewers to watch pay-TV channels and sporting or cultural events without subscription or broadcasting rights. The Italian police, in collaboration with Europol and the Chinese authorities, have carried out a major crackdown on Internet TV networks. On Thursday November 28, 2024, they mobilized at least 270 Italian police officers to carry out 89 searches in 15 regions of Italy. Abroad, 14 searches were also carried out in Croatia, the Netherlands, Romania, the UK, Sweden, Switzerland and China. 102 people were arrested. There are also suspects in Germany.
Millions of euros
The dismantling of the sophisticated servers and IT tools of the affected IPTV platforms is expected to affect 22 million end-users. 9 servers, some of them in Hong Kong, managed a pirated audiovisual signal broadcast throughout Europe. In addition, investigators seized cryptocurrencies worth over €1,650,000 and cash worth over €40,000. The case uncovered a well-organized, hierarchical structure illegally broadcasting 2,500 TV channels, including sports and movie channels. Losses for rights holders and exhibitors are estimated at €10 billion.
(MH with Olivier Duquesne - Sources: Geek (Le Soir) & Polizia di Stato - Picture: © Olivier Duquesne)