Global crackdown on world’s largest piracy network: 100 raids across 10 countries

The operation, known as Operation Takendown, involved raids across the UK, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and Romania. 

Authorities say this criminal network was serving illegal content to over 22 million users across Europe. This piracy operation generated more than 250 million euros in illegal revenue each month.

The operation, which was supported by the Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA), led to significant results. Authorities seized €1.65 million in cryptocurrency, which was part of the illegal earnings. 

A total of 11 people were arrested, and 102 others are under investigation for their involvement. This international operation highlights the growing challenges that law enforcement faces when trying to tackle sophisticated global piracy networks.

Mark Mulready, co-president of the AAPA, said, “The scale of these operations shows just how big the problem is. International pirate networks are complex, and dealing with them is a huge challenge. 

We are proud to have worked alongside law enforcement teams to provide training and support to help them bring this piracy network down.”

A Two-Year Investigation

This huge operation followed a two-year investigation led by Europol. During this time, investigators tracked illegal streaming forums and social media platforms where pirated content was being shared. 

Europol's investigation revealed that the criminal activities went beyond just piracy. They also found evidence of money laundering and cybercrime, showing the dangerous scope of the network.

Seizures and Takedowns

As part of the operation, authorities seized 29 computer servers that were used to run the illegal operations. They also confiscated hundreds of IPTV devices that were being used to illegally stream pirated movies, TV shows, and live television channels. Authorities also took down around 100 websites and domains. These sites were believed to be hosting illegal content and providing free streaming to millions of users.

International Cooperation to Fight Piracy

This operation shows how powerful international cooperation can be in the fight against digital piracy. Police forces from around the world worked together, sharing information and resources to target the network. 

Matt Hibbert, group director of anti-piracy at Sky, praised the effort, saying, “This sends a strong message that we will continue to take down illegal networks and hold those responsible accountable.”

Piracy is a major issue for the entertainment industry. It costs companies millions of dollars in lost revenue each year. 

It also puts consumers at risk. Illegal streaming services often expose users to malware and other security threats. By taking down these networks, law enforcement agencies are not only protecting businesses but also keeping consumers safe.

Even though this operation has dismantled one of the largest piracy networks in the world, the fight against piracy is far from over. Law enforcement agencies around the globe will continue to work together to track down and shut down illegal operations. 

The cooperation between international police forces, companies, and organizations like AAPA is key to winning this battle.

Mark Mulready emphasized that the fight against digital piracy must continue. “We will keep working together to stop pirate networks, protect consumers, and ensure that creators are paid for their work,” he said.

With the success of Operation Takendown, law enforcement has sent a clear message to those involved in piracy: They will be caught. This is just one victory in the ongoing effort to protect both the entertainment industry and the public from the dangers of illegal online activity.