FACT investigators and police officers from West Midlands and Warwickshire Police have visited addresses across the West Midlands this week to serve Cease and Desist notices to individuals suspected of supplying illegal streaming services.
The initiative is aimed at preventing the illegal supply of IPTV streams, with investigators visiting homes in Alcester, Solihull, and Birmingham to serve notices requesting the individuals cease any illegal activity with immediate effect.
FACT works with the Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) to gather intelligence on and disrupt organised crime groups (OCGs) associated with this illegal activity.
This latest action targeted individuals who were promoting unauthorised access to premium television content, which affects broadcasters and rights owners in the UK and worldwide, causing financial harm to the industry and the economy.
Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT said: “We employ a range of tactics to prevent the provision of illegal streaming. Our continuous activity targets different elements of the global piracy landscape, with consideration given to the scale of the offending to ensure effective and proportionate action is taken.
“I would like to thank the GAIN and all the police units for their assistance in this initiative and look forward to further collaboration”.
A Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) spokesperson said: “By working in partnership, sharing intelligence lawfully and efficiently, the GAIN aims to ensure that organisations such as FACT, along with law enforcement agencies will help reduce the risk, threat, and harm from serious and organised crime, in the most cost-effective way.”
Visit www.fact-uk.org.uk for more information.
