Households across the UK using illicitly modified Amazon Fire TV Sticks are being targeted in a major police crackdown spanning 17 regions. Fraud prevention units are actively pursuing users of these devices, which are altered to access premium streaming content without paying subscription fees.
Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Streaming Devices
Authorities have identified a surge in the use of 'dodgy' Fire Sticks, which are legally sold gadgets that have been tampered with by criminal networks. The modification grants illegal access to paid-for content from broadcasters like Sky, BT Sport, Disney+, and Netflix.
The crackdown is concentrated in 17 specific areas of the United Kingdom:
- London
- Kent
- Sussex
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Lincolnshire
- Derbyshire
- Staffordshire
- East and West Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Merseyside
- Northumbria
- North Yorkshire
- South Wales
- North East England
- North West England
Severe Penalties for Users and Sellers
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) has issued a stark warning. Those caught using modified sticks to illegally watch Sky or Premier League content could face financial penalties reaching a staggering £50,000. While viewers may receive more lenient fines, they can still expect bills running into thousands of pounds.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey of the City of London Police's Intellectual Property Crime Unit stated: "Illegal streaming might look like a quick way to save money, but it's a false economy that can end up costing people thousands." She emphasised that the crime diverts vital funds from the entertainment industry and its workforce.
Individuals caught illegally streaming also face the possibility of imprisonment for up to 12 months, with even harsher consequences for those involved in selling the modified equipment.
Risks to Consumers and Industry
A spokesperson for National Trading Standards highlighted the broader dangers. They warned that accessing pirated content undermines the UK's creative industries and puts consumers at significant risk. The illegal software used can expose users to malware, data theft, and fraud, jeopardising personal and banking details.
It is estimated that nearly five million people in the UK have used unlawful sports streaming services. In response, organisations like the Premier League, Sky, and FACT are collaborating closely with law enforcement to eradicate the practice.
The action has extended beyond Britain, with Irish officials serving legal notices to 13 unauthorised IPTV providers in counties including Dublin, Cork, and Limerick. This resulted in services being shut down and social media profiles deleted.
Amazon's New Anti-Piracy Measures
In a significant blow to pirates, Amazon has introduced new technological safeguards. The latest Fire TV Stick 4K Select model operates on a new system called Vega OS. This change blocks the installation of altered Android apps and third-party applications, restricting downloads to the secure Amazon Appstore.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed: "Piracy is illegal, and we've always worked to block it from our Appstore... We'll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content." This move is part of a global anti-piracy initiative with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE).
The government clarified that Fire Sticks are legal when used for legitimate, free-to-air content. They only become illegal when adapted to stream illicit paid-for channels without a subscription.
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, concluded: "These are real criminal actions which consumers and their families are exposed to. These investigations and operations will continue this new year." The public is encouraged to report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service.
