FACTLegal notices have been delivered to 15 shops and resellers in the Republic of Ireland as agencies attempt to clamp down on illegal TV streaming services on so-called “dodgy boxes”.
The shops were across nine counties, including two in Ulster, which were found to be either selling subscriptions and devices or referring customers to resellers.
The enforcement operation, the first to directly target retail outlets, was conducted by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) and Sky.
Investigators and legal representatives targeted premises in Counties Donegal and Cavan, as well as Kerry, Louth, Laois, Mayo, Kilkenny, Wexford and Meath.
The chairman of Fact, Kieron Sharp, said the landmark sting shows that “every link in the illegal streaming supply chain” is being targeted.
“When shop owners sell illegal streaming devices, subscriptions or act as referral points to providers, they are supporting criminal organisations and generating criminal profits,” he said.
They all have been given a deadline to cease activities, or face further action.
Fact said the “vast majority” have responded and agreed to stop.
FACTSince March 2023, about 70 illegal streaming services in the Republic have been closed and tens of thousands of illegal streams have been disrupted.
The chief of Sky Ireland, JD Buckley, said the partnership shows those profiting from piracy will be “found and stopped”.
“Illegal streaming puts consumers at real risk of online harms including fraud and identity theft while draining money away from the creative industries that invest in the shows and sports people love,” he added.
“At Sky, we’re determined to protect our customers and ensure we continue producing world-class content.”
In October 2024, Cormac McGuckin from County Londonderry was sentenced to two years in prison and two on licence after he made almost £500,000 from selling illegal TV sports streaming services.
His wife, Maura McGuckin, was given a 12-month suspended sentence for having criminal property.