Four arrested as streaming fans warned about using dodgy Sky Sports websites

A nationwide crackdown on illegal streaming this month has seen four people arrested and hundreds more issued police warnings.

In February, UK police raided homes in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stoke and London in an attempt to take down a dodgy streaming service with an estimated 500,000 users.

The service reportedly sold IPTV devices, which are a cheap way to access pirated premium content such as live football, Sky TV channels, and movies.

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Police seized computer equipment, laptops and phones from four premises and issued 'cease and desist' notices to 200 people suspected of running similar operations.

Detective Inspector Andy Maclean, of Police Scotland's Cyber Investigation Department, said: "Anyone tempted to purchase one of these IPTV services should be aware that their money is going towards a fraudulent scheme, and they might well find themselves having a visit from police or other authorities."

"Money from such activities are often used to fund other crime, so people need to be aware of that.

"This is, without doubt, a form of organised crime."

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One of those arrested was charged with intellectual property theft, while three others were releasing pending investigation.

The operation was supported by broadcaster Sky, which typically sells subscription packages to customers from £26 to £80 per month. Illegal IPTV services offer the same channels as well as other streaming packages for roughly £10 per month.

Matt Hibbert, Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said: "We will continue to support these efforts to shut down these pirate networks and help protect customers."

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