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A 57-year-old man who sold hundreds of pirated IPTV boxes via eBay in the UK received a two-year suspended prison sentence. The indictment, brought by the Westminster City Council's Business Standards team with the help of FACT, revealed that the Westminster resident generated more than ยฃ 82,000 in profit over the years.
Online piracy exists in many shapes and forms. Torrent sites dominated a decade ago, but streaming portals have long overshadowed them.
In addition to pirate streaming sites that can be accessed through web browsers, dedicated streaming boxes have also gained popularity. These boxes can easily be connected to televisions for a relatively seamless experience, as long as they work.
IPTV Box Seller on eBay
In recent years, various rights holders have cracked down on these pirated boxes and IPTV services. In the UK, this has led to legal action on several occasions. One such case, led by the Westminster City Council Trade Standards Team, came to a conclusion this month.
The Trade Standards team started their investigation in 2017. With the help of the UK anti-piracy group DONE, discovered that 57-year-old Westminster resident Fuaad Al-Saegh was selling IPTV devices on eBay.
Using two separate accounts, the man sold the boxes at prices ranging from ยฃ 150 to ยฃ 250. When connected properly, the devices allowed buyers to access sports broadcasts, including those from beIN, as well as other content that they would normally require. a paid subscription.
Trade standards officers purchased three devices that worked as advertised. This resulted in a raid on the man's home where more boxes were found. With the help of eBay, it was eventually determined that the defendant had sold 628 devices, generating more than ยฃ 82,000 in profit.
Guilty
Mr. Al-Saegh faced the evidence in London City Magistrates Court this summer, where he pleaded guilty to multiple violations of the 2006 Fraud Act. Earlier this month, the Crown Court Southwark concluded that a two-year suspended prison sentence is appropriate.
This is the first prosecution of its kind by the Westminster City Council Business Standards and Councilwoman Heather Acton is pleased with the outcome and thanks FACT for their help.
"This investigation into illegal IPTV devices was the first time our Trade Standards service was conducted and demonstrates the expertise of our officers," Acton commented on the news.
"Proceeds from crimes like this are often used by organized crime groups to fund more serious criminal activities, so I am pleased that our investigation, with the help of FACT, has resulted in a successful prosecution."
Serious risks
The suspended prison sentence means that Mr. Al-Saegh will not have to spend time in prison. However, it confirms that vendors of pirated devices face serious risks in the UK.
This is not the first time someone has been prosecuted for selling pirated devices. We have seen several other suspended sentences in the UK over the years and a few real jail sentences as well as. And since new sellers keep popping up, this probably won't be the last prosecution, either.
FACT CEO Kieron Sharp indirectly cautions vendors and says he will continue to monitor the IPTV hacking landscape. If new targets are detected, they will undoubtedly be reported to the proper authorities.
"FACT will continue to monitor the platforms used to advertise, market, sell and distribute applications, devices and broadcasts, to take action against providers, operators and consumers," says Sharp.
