Illegal streaming users are being warned they could face prosecution as authorities crack down on the use of modified devices, with £29,000 in fines dished out in recent months.
The warning comes amid growing use of “dodgy” Fire Sticks and other hacked streaming boxes, which allow users to access premium TV content without paying for it.
These devices are being widely promoted on websites, social media, and messaging apps, and can provide unauthorised access to paid services such as Sky, Netflix, Disney+, and TNT Sports.
Law enforcement agencies across the UK are increasing efforts to tackle both the supply and use of these devices, which are considered a “serious crime” under the law.
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The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) has been involved in a series of enforcement actions and court cases this summer, helping to expose an estimated £1.4 million in criminal revenue through illegal streaming operations.
This work has led to arrests, fines, and cease-and-desist orders across the UK and Ireland.
In August, a Lancashire man was jailed for six and a half years after running an illegal streaming service that generated nearly £1 million over three years.
Milan Ibrahim, 68, sold illegal TV streams to customers in the UK and abroad, including British expatriates.
FACT identified Ibrahim’s operation and referred the case to the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit.
The City of London Police later seized and shut down 80 streaming servers in Chorley.
The service had been illegally redistributing content from broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Sky, and the Premier League.
In a separate case, 38-year-old Craig Austin from Whiston, Merseyside, received a 32-month suspended sentence after earning £205,000 from selling unauthorised premium TV subscriptions.
FACT began investigating Austin’s operation in January 2023 and found he had been running the service for more than five years, promoting it via social media.
Merseyside Police executed a warrant in August, four months after FACT referred the case.
Austin pleaded guilty to fraud and possession of criminal property.
He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and take part in rehabilitation activities.
In South Wales, Michael Barrow was sentenced to three years and two months in prison on June 1 after admitting three counts of fraud.
Mr Barrow continued selling illegal IPTV subscriptions and pre-loaded Fire Sticks to nearly 2,000 customers, earning more than £200,000, even after receiving a cease-and-desist notice in 2021.
The prosecution was brought by the Premier League with support from FACT and the TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Recent cases have also led to fines for commercial users.
FACT prosecutions in Staffordshire and Wales resulted in pub licensees being ordered to pay more than £29,000 for illegally broadcasting Sky Sports.
Additional arrests have been made as part of ongoing investigations.
On June 25 and 26, four men were arrested in Merseyside following a joint operation by FACT and Merseyside Police.
Six properties were searched over two days as part of the investigation into the suspected supply of illegal streaming services to thousands of customers.
Nick Sumner, investigations manager at the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), said at the time: "These arrests demonstrate the value of FACT’s intelligence-led investigations and our close partnership with Merseyside Police.
"This sends a clear message that those involved in supplying illegal streaming services can be identified and held to account."
FACT continues to warn the public that using or selling illegal streaming devices is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution, substantial fines, and imprisonment.
The organisation says that both users and suppliers are at risk of facing serious legal consequences as enforcement activity intensifies across the country.
Are Fire Sticks illegal in the UK?
Amazon Fire TV Sticks are legal in the UK, but become illegal when devices are modified, often called "jailbroken" or "fully loaded".
This means they have access to premium, subscription-only content like live sports or movies without paying the appropriate fees.
FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said previously: “This campaign makes it clear that end users of illegal streaming services are breaking the law.
"The risks are real, from potential criminal liability to exposure to scams, viruses, and harmful content.
"We urge people to protect themselves and their families by only using legitimate providers."
Amazon is also working to block the use of illegal fire sticks, working to block apps that are identified as helping users gain illegal access to pirated content.
A spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore.
"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 Appstore.
"This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.”
What are the dangers of using illegal streaming devices?
"Illegal streaming services are increasingly operated by sophisticated criminal networks, often involved in other types of crime," BeStreamWise explained.
Meaning those who use illegal streaming devices run the risk of "letting criminals in", resulting in:
- Viruses and malware
- ID theft, scams, and fraud
- Inappropriate content
Around 39% of illegal streamers in the UK have suffered financial losses due to cybercrime linked to piracy, according to BeStreamWise.
The average amount stolen through illegal streaming is £1,680, while one in ten have lost more than £5,000.
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What is the penalty if caught with a 'dodgy' Fire TV Stick?
People who use or distribute illicit Fire Sticks or set-top boxes to access paid-for TV channels or streaming services without a subscription are breaking the law under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Under this legislation, an offence is committed when someone dishonestly accesses services without paying for them at all, or without paying the full amount required.
Anyone convicted of this offence may be issued with a financial penalty or could receive a prison sentence of up to five years.
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