Firesticks that have been ‘cracked’ to display content such as live Premier League matches have become hugely popular in the UK despite being illegal
Firestick used to gain unauthorized access to content (Image: Getty Images)
A warning has been issued to illegal and “dangerous” Firestick users as police launch a new crackdown on streaming methods. Eight areas of the UK have been targeted by police and copyright experts.
It is estimated that around five million people in the UK use Firesticks modified with software to display paid subscription services such as Sky, Netflix, Disney+ and TNT Sports. Police say these “cracked” or “jailbroken” devices are often associated with organized crime and gangs.
Nevertheless, it has grown in popularity in recent years, and users are charged around £50 a year to access a world of content including live Premier League football matches, movies and TV series.
Police are working with the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) to target the device’s suppliers. Operation Eider intensified their activities and led to a crackdown in eight areas of Britain.
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They are London, the South West, the North West, the North East, Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands. Individuals suspected of supplying fire sticks in these areas have been issued cease and desist letters and are being visited by officers.
“FACT’s enforcement efforts against illegal streaming have continued throughout the year,” said FACT Chairman Kieron Sharp. “Together with our partners and the police, we are constantly reviewing new information and targeting areas in the UK and Ireland where our data shows illegal streaming activity is taking place.
“Our investigation is thorough and we are determined to stop illegal streaming and bring perpetrators to justice. To avoid jeopardizing our ongoing operations, we will not release details until enforcement action is complete.”
Police launched a crackdown (Image: Getty)
The warning follows a wave of high-profile incidents. Liverpool’s Jonathan Edge was jailed in November 2024 for using an Amazon Firestick to show customers Premier League football. He was prosecuted privately by the Premier League, pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court.
Sergeant Adam Dagnall, from Merseyside Police’s Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Merseyside Police takes illegal streaming seriously, as it often funds organized crime and puts users at real risk.”
“Not only is this a crime, but unlicensed streaming services often contain malware that can compromise personal devices, causing loss of information such as bank account information, or being used for identity fraud. Genuine providers have security measures in place to protect you from these threats. Don’t be tempted by cheap, so-called ‘full-featured’ or ‘jailbroken’ devices, even if they’re Christmas presents. You may end up getting more than you bargained for. ”
In a statement after the ruling, the Premier League said: “Mr Edge ignored multiple warnings to cease this activity, which was referred to by the judge and treated as an aggravating factor in his decision. The judge also acknowledged that regular subscribers were the victims of these misconducts and that the impact therefore exceeded that experienced by the broadcasting industry.”
In a separate case, Stephen Woodward was sentenced to three years in prison for making £1.1 million from three illegal streaming sites over seven years.
