In a massive coordinated effort, law enforcement agencies across 10 countries have successfully dismantled what is believed to be the world’s largest piracy network. Operation Takendown, supported by the Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA), involved raids and arrests in the UK, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and Romania.
Massive Scale of Operation
The criminal network allegedly provided pirated content to over 22 million users across Europe, generating an estimated €250 million in illegal revenue each month. The operation resulted in:
- 11 arrests
- 102 individuals under investigation
- Seizure of €1.65 million in cryptocurrency
- Seizure of 29 computer servers and hundreds of IPTV devices
- Takedown of 100 websites and domains associated with illegal streaming
Two-Year Investigation
This successful operation follows a two-year investigation led by Europol, which involved monitoring social media platforms and illegal streaming forums to gather evidence and identify key players in the network. Europol’s investigation revealed evidence of not only copyright infringement but also money laundering and other cybercrimes.
Strong Message to Pirates
“This sends a strong message that, alongside our partners, we are committed to dismantling pirate networks across borders and holding their ringleaders accountable,” said Matt Hibbert, group director of anti-piracy at Sky.
The operation demonstrates the increasing sophistication and global reach of piracy networks, as well as the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat this illegal activity. The AAPA emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and industry partners in tackling these complex networks.
Protecting Consumers
The operation also aims to protect consumers from the risks associated with illegal streaming services, which often expose users to malware, identity theft, and other security threats.
Ongoing Efforts
Law enforcement agencies and industry partners are continuing their efforts to combat digital piracy and protect intellectual property rights. Operation Takendown serves as a significant victory in this ongoing fight, disrupting a major criminal network and sending a clear message that piracy will not be tolerated.