National: 10 counties targeted in 'dodgy box' clampdown around the country

Over 20 "cease and desist" letters have been issued to people suspected of selling illegal TV streaming services, known as 'dodgy boxes' in 10 different counties.

This is the third wave in a series of legal warnings that have been delivered in person, by post and by email to people across Ireland involved in providing illegal access to premium TV content, sometimes known as IPTV.

The cease-and-desist notices instruct those running selling modified smart TV devices to immediately stop all illegal streaming activity or risk facing the consequences, including criminal prosecution.

The warnings were issued to addresses within the counties of Dublin, Cork, Meath, Kilkenny, Westmeath, Clare, Limerick, Louth, Galway and Monaghan between 22 January and 2 February of this year.

The legal notices form part of a broader targeted campaign in Ireland designed to disrupt and shut down piracy networks.

A previous wave of warnings was issued in March and August, with the Federation Against Copyright Theft organisation saying that "more than 60 targets have been engaged with, resulting in the vast majority of illegal services being taken down".

Eddy Leviten, chief Operating officer at Fact, said: “By taking these measures we are sending a clear message: piracy is a crime, and it is taken seriously. Fact will continue to monitor channels used to advertise and sell illegal streams, modified Fire Sticks, and other devices to take action against illegal IPTV suppliers and operators.

“Operators of illegal Iptv services should be aware that not only are they committing an offence themselves, but they’re also putting consumers at real risk of malware, data loss and identity theft.

“Fact and its partners are determined to disrupt these criminal operations and non-compliance with the notices could lead to further law enforcement action.”