Illegal streaming has surged in recent years as many UK households seek cost-effective ways to access premium content amidst financial challenges. This trend has led to a rise in the use of unofficial platforms that offer full content at significantly reduced prices.
However, the spotlight remains on illegal streaming, as a well-known service providing unauthorized access to content, including Sky channels, has been permanently shut down. This closure has left subscribers who paid for the service at a loss.
Nishan Silva, a 34-year-old from Hitchin, has been sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in managing an illicit IPTV service known as Andy UTV and Ultimate TV Service. This platform, with thousands of followers, operated unlawfully, leading to Silva’s conviction for copyright infringement and other related offenses.
Silva, a former accountant, played a key role in operating the illegal subscription-based service, which allowed UK households to access various streaming services illegally and is estimated to have generated substantial revenue.
Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit condemned Silva’s actions, stating, “Silva misused his expertise and position of trust as an accountant to engage in serious criminal activities.” The statement emphasized the unit’s commitment to combating illegal streaming and protecting the entertainment industry from financial losses and end-users from potential risks like data theft and malware.
Sky’s Group Director of Anti-Piracy, Matt Hibbert, expressed gratitude to the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit for pursuing the case and highlighted the importance of addressing content theft to safeguard consumers and uphold legal standards.
It is essential to remember that beyond the closure of illicit streaming services, engaging in illegal streaming poses risks such as exposure to malware and inappropriate content.