A major investigation targeting the world’s largest piracy network involved police from 10 countries and raided 100+ homes across the major countries.
Operation Takedown included raids on properties in the countries like United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and Romania.
The criminal network allegedly served pirated content to over 22 million European customers, making more than 250 million euros in illicit cash each month.
The Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA) backed the law enforcement operation, which resulted in the recovery of €1.65 million in bitcoin and 11 arrests. Additionally, 102 people are being investigated.
“The scale of these multi-jurisdictional law enforcement actions highlights the considerable challenge our industry faces when dealing with such sophisticated international pirate networks,” according to Mark Mulready, co-president of AAPA.
“We are proud to have collaborated with our law enforcement partners to provide technical training and in-field support to assist them in successfully tackling the world’s largest pirate network.”
Europol conducted a two-year investigation into social media platforms and illicit streaming forums, leading to this operation.
According to a press release from Europol, there was evidence of other illegal conduct outside copyright infringement, such as money laundering and cybercrime.
During the operation, at least 29 computer servers were seized, along with hundreds of IPTV devices used to unlawfully transmit pirated movies, series, and television channels.
Around 100 websites and domain names were also taken down after being accused of hosting illegal free streaming.
“This sends a strong message that, alongside our partners, we are committed to dismantling pirate networks across borders and holding their ringleaders accountable,” said Sky’s group director of anti-piracy, Matt Hibbert.
Matt further said “We will continue supporting efforts to end digital piracy and protect consumers from the risks of these illegal services.”
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