A man has been jailed for three years after selling 'dodgy' Fire Sticks to nearly 2,000 customers, as a nationwide crackdown on illegal streaming devices continues.
Illegal TV Fire Sticks and/or ‘dodgy boxes’ are streaming devices that have third-party software installed in them, allowing users to watch premium content from providers such as Sky, TNT Sport, Disney+ and Netflix for free.
The use of these devices is a "serious crime", and police forces across the UK and Ireland, as well as organisations including Crimestoppers and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), have been attempting to stamp them out.
People who access illegal TV streaming services are potentially liable to prosecution for criminal offences, including under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Man jailed for 3 years for selling illegal streaming devices
Michael Barrow, operator of the “MB Streams” IPTV service, was sentenced to three years and two months at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, June 1.
He was found to have sold illegal IPTV subscriptions and pre-loaded Firesticks to almost 2,000 customers, generating more than £200,000 through his "criminal operation".
Barrow pleaded guilty to three offences under the Fraud Act for supplying access to Premier League matches, and a variety of other content, through his own-branded “MB Streams” service and third-party apps.
Director of legal enforcement at the Premier League, Stefan Sergot, said: "This sentence once again highlights the severe consequences for individuals involved in supplying illegal streaming services.
"The decision to ignore clear warnings only compounded the seriousness of the offending, and this is reflected in the sentence handed down today.
"Illegal streaming is often linked to wider criminal activity and can expose fans to serious risks, including fraud, malware and identity theft."
Barrow initially promoted his service through Facebook, but switched to a referral-only model after being served a cease and desist notice.
He then limited sales to known individuals and encouraged customers to pay him in cash at his home.
Online payments were disguised as purchases of retro football kits, the court heard.
The judge described his actions as a “large-scale, highly sophisticated and prolonged commercial fraud,” noting that his failure to comply with the cease and desist notice was a significant aggravating factor.
The case was prosecuted by the Premier League, with support from FACT and the TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit’s Economic Crime Team in southern Wales.
FACT chairman, Kieron Sharp, said: "Barrow was given a clear warning to stop his illegal activity but instead chose to continue supplying devices and services that enabled people to access paid-for content unlawfully.
"This was a deliberate and sustained criminal operation.
"Illegal streaming is not a victimless crime.
"It damages the creative industries, undermines legitimate broadcasters, sports rights holders and service providers, and exposes users to serious risks, including fraud, malware and criminal exploitation."
Earlier in the month, the licensee of the Dolphin Inn pub in Llanymynech (Powys), John Peter Turner, was fined £19,000 for illegally broadcasting Sky Sports football matches without a legitimate commercial viewing agreement.
Premier League to continue crackdown on illegal streaming
The Premier League stressed that protecting broadcast rights is vital to supporting the wider football pyramid and funding the game at all levels.
Mr Sergot said: "Tackling these services is therefore not only about protecting intellectual property, but also about helping to safeguard fans from harm.
"The sale of broadcast rights underpins the Premier League’s financial support across the football pyramid, and we are pleased that the courts have again recognised the importance of protecting these rights with the outcome of this case.
"The Premier League will continue to work closely with FACT and law enforcement authorities to identify and prosecute illegal operators at all levels."
The dangers of using illegal streaming devices
"Illegal streaming services are increasingly operated by sophisticated criminal networks, often involved in other types of crime," BeStreamWise explained.
Meaning those who use illegal streaming devices run the risk of "letting criminals in", resulting in:
- Viruses and malware
- ID theft, scams, and fraud
- Inappropriate content
Around 39% of illegal streamers in the UK have suffered financial losses due to cybercrime linked to piracy, according to BeStreamWise.
The average amount stolen through illegal streaming is £1,680, while one in ten have lost more than £5,000.
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What is the penalty if caught with a 'dodgy' Fire TV Stick?
Not only can the use of illegal streaming devices leave users open to ID theft, fraud, and viruses, but it can also result in fines and jail time.
Those caught using or selling a 'dodgy' fire stick/box and streaming premium content without paying are in breach of Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
It says a person will be in breach if they obtain services "without any payment having been made for or in respect of them or without payment having been made in full".
A person found guilty of this kind of offence could be fined or face a jail sentence of up to five years.
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