Police and copyright organisations warned users ‘you are not anonymous’ after details of customers who had bought devices were found
Police and FACT officials have been carrying out raids to clamp down on people using ‘dodgy’ Firesticks(Image: Getty)
People using ‘dodgy’ Firesticks have been given a new warning after a wave of new arrests and raids – and targeted a list users who they discovered had bought the devices with warning emails. In the latest raids three people were arrested as part of a “coordinated nationwide crackdown” on illegal streaming operations.
The operation is led by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) in partnership with UK police forces. The arrests form part of Operation Eider, FACT’s latest campaign. The organisation says the campaigning is working to disrupt illegal streaming networks and protect consumers from the risks associated with illicit online content.
last November, further cases were identified nationwide across London, the South West, North West, North East, Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire and Humber, and the West Midlands. And they came as FACT contacted over a thousand individuals across the UK via email and text, warning them to immediately cease using illegal TV streaming services or face the risk of prosecution.
The campaign builds on investigations carried out in collaboration with police forces nationwide and forms part of FACT’s ongoing work to raise awareness of the risks of illegal streaming.
FACT said people who access illegal TV streaming services are potentially liable to prosecution for criminal offences, including under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006. FACT’s latest campaign warns end users that they are not anonymous and that watching unauthorised content carries serious risks.
During investigations into Edge and operators of another illegal streaming service (currently pending a criminal prosecution), law enforcement seized details of customers who had purchased access to so-called “loaded” Firesticks, Android, or Kodi devices. Those customers have now been contacted directly to warn them of the dangers of continuing to use illegal streaming services.
Last month Merseyside Police arrested a couple in Huyton on suspicion of supplying illegal IPTV services and seized personal electronic devices for further examination on December 11 2025. The arrests follow similar enforcement action on October 25, when Merseyside Police arrested a man in Birkenhead on suspicion of selling pre-loaded streaming devices.
Officers also seized several items, including a mobile phone and a quantity of cash. The suspects in both cases have been released under investigation while police enquiries are ongoing.
Of these, 12 individuals received cease-and-desist (C&D) notices, while two were served with C&Ds via knock-and-talk (K&T) enforcement action, in collaboration with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.
This action followed joint investigations with police that uncovered details of customers who had purchased access to so-called “loaded” Fire Sticks, Android or Kodi devices. FACT added it is continuing to work with law enforcement agencies across the UK to identify, disrupt and deter those involved in illegal streaming through targeted operations, cease-and-desist campaigns and criminal prosecutions.
FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said: “These arrests reflect the results of our intelligence-led investigations and the strength of our partnerships with UK law enforcement.
“By sharing intelligence and coordinating action across multiple regions, we are effectively dismantling the supply networks that sit behind illegal streaming.
“It may appear harmless, but illegal streaming fuels organised crime and puts viewers at real risk, from scams and malware to data theft.
“The BeStreamWise campaign which FACT supports, reminds the public that what looks like a bargain can have serious consequences. The safest and only legal way to enjoy the shows and sports you love is through legitimate, licensed providers.”
Detective Sergeant Adam Dagnall of Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit said: “Illegal streaming may appear to be a cheap alternative, but it is often driven by organised criminals and exposes users to scams and data theft.
“Our partnership with FACT helps us quickly identify offenders and take firm action to disrupt these networks and protect the public from the fraud, malware and wider criminality behind them.”
It was reported last month that Amazon had rolled out new safeguards to tackle illegal streaming on their gadgets with the latest iteration of the Fire Stick. The brand-new Fire TV Stick 4K Select will operate on an alternative system called Vega OS.
This development means altered Android apps will no longer work on updated models, as the ability to install third-party applications will be eliminated.
Amazon confirmed that solely programmes from the Amazon Appstore on Fire TV will be accessible for download “for enhanced security” in what marks a significant hurdle for those creating such modifications.
On this development, an Amazon spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our app store. Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our app store.
“This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.”
T/DCI Alethea Fowler of Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit said:“Users of illegal streaming services may see it as a harmless crime, but there is no such thing. Not only do the end users of these services face risks such as loss of personal data and fire risk to their property, but they are also funding serious and organised crime. Criminals rarely stop at one income stream, and by purchasing illicit goods you are enabling further forms of criminality, often involving exploitation and harm.
“We would encourage anyone who is considering using illegal streaming services to consider the risks to themselves, their families, and their wider communities. Tarian ROCU will continue to work with partners such as FACT to identify distributors and bring them to justice.”