Illegal streaming has been on the rise in recent years, a trend driven by the ongoing financial struggles faced by many UK households. Seeking more affordable ways to access premium content, a significant number of viewers have turned to unofficial platforms that offer full content at a fraction of the regular cost.
However, the repercussions of engaging in illegal streaming are severe, as evidenced by the recent closure of a popular service that provided access to Sky channels. Customers who had paid for this service are now left with losses, as the platform has been permanently shut down.
The individual behind this illicit online service, Nishan Silva, aged 34 and residing in Hitchin, has been sentenced to three years in prison by UK authorities. Silva was found to be involved in the operation of an unauthorized IPTV service, known as Andy UTV and Ultimate TV Service, which boasted thousands of subscribers.
Appearing in court on October 2nd, Silva admitted to various offenses, including distributing copyrighted material and engaging in financial crimes. Despite his background as an accountant, Silva was instrumental in managing the illegal subscription-based platform, which generated substantial revenue by providing illegal access to multiple streaming services.
Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit described Silva as a skilled accountant who misused his knowledge and position for criminal activities. Emphasizing the impact of illegal streaming on the entertainment industry and end-users, Fryatt highlighted the commitment of PIPCU to combat such illicit practices.
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, commended PIPCU for its efforts in pursuing the case, underscoring the seriousness with which such crimes are treated by the courts. Sky remains dedicated to collaborating with authorities to combat content theft and safeguard consumers from the risks associated with illegal streaming.
It is crucial to note that besides the consequences of illegal streaming in terms of legal actions, viewers are also exposed to potential threats such as malware and inappropriate content.