Illegal streaming has been on the rise recently, which is not surprising given the ongoing cost-of-living challenges. Many households in the UK have been seeking more affordable ways to access premium content, leading them to turn to unofficial platforms that offer complete content access at a fraction of the legitimate price.
Despite the allure, illegal streaming continues to draw attention, especially after the closure of a popular service that provided content, including Sky channels. This shutdown has left subscribers who had paid for the service at a loss.
In a significant development, the individual behind the illicit online service, Nishan Silva, a 34-year-old from Hitchin, has been sentenced to three years in prison by UK authorities for his involvement in managing and facilitating an illegal IPTV service. The platform, known as Andy UTV and Ultimate TV Service, had amassed a large following.
Silva, a former accountant, appeared in court and admitted to various offenses, such as distributing copyrighted material and handling criminal proceeds. His illegal subscription-based service allowed UK households unauthorized access to multiple streaming services and is estimated to have generated substantial revenue.
Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit described Silva as an intelligent accountant who abused his knowledge and position for criminal activities. Fryatt emphasized the unit’s commitment to pursuing individuals profiting from illegal streaming and disrupting their operations.
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, expressed gratitude to the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit for their efforts in prosecuting the case. He highlighted the importance of addressing content theft and safeguarding consumers from the dangers associated with illegal streaming.
It is essential to remember that aside from the legal consequences, illegal streaming poses risks such as exposure to malware and inappropriate content, underscoring the importance of using legitimate streaming services.