PIPCU warns users of the risks of illegal streaming ahead of UEFA Champions League final

• Illegal streaming is most popular around large sporting events
• Using a device to stream TV, sports or films without an official subscription is breaking the law
• In 2017 Yusuf Mohammed, of Bristol, was ordered to pay legal costs of over £16,000 for re-streaming Sky Sports content online illegally

The City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) is warning sports fans to use legitimate sources to watch the UEFA Champions League final at the weekend.

Consumers need to be aware that streaming without the right permissions or subscriptions is no longer a grey area. In April 2017, the EU Court of Justice ruled that not only was selling devices allowing access to copyrighted content illegal, but using one to stream TV, sports or films without an official subscription is also breaking the law.

The public should be aware that misusing their TV subscriptions has serious repercussions. For example, customers found to be illegally sharing paid-for content can have their subscription account terminated immediately and can expect to be prosecuted and fined. In March 2015, the limit on fines imposed by a Magistrates' court for offering or exposing copyright infringing material was removed – as such, the potential fine on summary conviction in relation to an offence committed after this date is unlimited.

Detective Chief Inspector Teresa Russell, head of the City of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit said:

“The UEFA Champions League is just one in a number of high profile sporting events each year, but don’t let your eagerness to tune in make you commit a crime.

“By illegally streaming the match, you never know when the site is likely to be shut down. It could be at a crucial point in the match! In fact, enforcement agencies and companies will aim to do just that in an attempt to dissuade people from using illegal sites in the future. 

“In addition, some set-top boxes do not go through rigorous electrical testing and are therefore at risk of giving electrical shocks or catching fire. By using legitimate providers these risks can easily be avoided. Watch it live, watch it legally.”

Yusuf Mohammed, of Bristol, was ordered to pay legal costs of over £16,000 in 2017 and to disclose details about the money he made and people he colluded with for re-streaming Sky Sports content online illegally.  As well as the costs, Mr Mohammed had to pay Sky damages.  Another person was also ordered to pay substantial legal costs for sharing the Joshua vs Klitschko fight on Facebook.