A collaborative effort between the National Crime Agency Accredited Financial Investigator (NCA AFI), Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge Councils, Sky Broadcasting UK Limited (Sky UK), and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) has culminated in significant convictions and financial recoveries in a complex IPTV piracy case.

Since December 2022, the joint investigation has focused on the illegal broadcasting, supply, and distribution of Internet Protocol Television Services (IPTV) within the UK and Europe. The operation, conducted from both a business and a private residential address in Ilford, involved the unauthorised provision of Sky TV, TNT Sports, and other digital television services to individuals using Amazon Fire Sticks and TV set-top boxes.

The investigation, which required extensive technical expertise to trace criminal finances, led to a criminal trial held between 4 and 27 September 2023. One defendant absconded to Pakistan to evade justice but was convicted in their absence and sentenced to seven years imprisonment. His co-accused received a five-year sentence for his involvement.

Barking and Dagenham Council led on the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and proceedings were held at Snaresbrook Crown Court earlier this month from Monday 14 to Friday 17 April, to recover the financial benefits accrued from their criminal activities. 

The court assessed the illicit gains at £340,000 and £70,000 for each defendant, respectively. Expert evidence provided by the AFI over two days resulted in POCA Confiscation Orders being granted for these amounts.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: "This case exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in tackling complex financial crimes. The combined expertise and dedication of all parties involved were crucial in bringing these offenders to justice and recovering significant criminal proceeds."