UK police have intensified their crackdown on illegal streaming devices, including tampered Amazon Firebricks. Here’s what you need to know about the raids, affected areas, and the risks involved.
What Are “Dodgy” Firebricks?
Amazon Firebricks are legal streaming devices, but tampering with them to access paywalled content for free is a criminal offense. Recently, UK authorities launched a major operation to dismantle piracy networks supplying and using such devices.
Areas Affected by Illegal Streaming Raids
UK police forces and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) led a two-week operation. They targeted over 30 suppliers. Raids were conducted in the following areas:
London
Kent
Sussex
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Lincolnshire
Staffordshire
East and West Midlands
Greater Manchester
Cheshire
Merseyside
Northumbria
North Yorkshire
Additionally, police issued cease-and-desist notices to individuals using illegal streaming devices.
Legal Consequences of Using Illegal Streaming Devices
Last month, Jonathan Edge was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. He ignored a cease-and-desist notice issued by the Premier League. This case highlights the severe consequences of piracy.
Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, said:
“Cease-and-desist measures are the first step toward holding offenders accountable. Those who ignore these notices risk arrest and criminal charges.”
Dangers of Using Illegal Streaming Services
Engaging in illegal streaming isn’t just a legal risk—it can also expose users to serious cybersecurity threats:
Malware: Illicit services are often riddled with viruses that compromise personal data.
Scams and Data Theft: Users may fall victim to fraud or identity theft.
No Support: Illegal platforms offer no customer support if issues arise.
Why You Should Choose Legitimate Streaming Services
Authorities warn that using illegal streaming devices violates the law. It also puts users at risk of malware and fraud. Sharp emphasized:
“The safest and smartest choice is to stick to legitimate providers for entertainment.”
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