Illegal Streaming

• Authorities across 13 countries, including the U.S., U.K., France, and Italy, have shut down more than 27,000 illegal streaming URLs in a massive piracy crackdown. • The operation targeted unauthorized sites distributing copyrighted content just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. • This coordinated effort highlights a global push to protect broadcasting rights and ensure that official partners receive the viewership and revenue they are entitled to.

• European authorities dismantled nine organized crime groups and removed over 27,000 URLs hosting illegal live sports and copyrighted media. • The seven-month initiative, known as Operation Kratos 2, involved collaboration between 14 countries, including the U.S., UK, France, and Italy. • Key partners included anti-piracy associations and major sports entities such as La Liga and the UEFA Europa League to combat digital piracy.

• Bulgaria and Europol coordinated "Operation KRATOS 2," a seven-month international crackdown on criminal networks profiting from illegal streaming of premium sports, films, and television. • The operation led to the arrest of 29 individuals, the dismantling of nine organized crime groups, and the removal of over 27,000 illegal streaming URLs. • This action targets networks generating millions in illicit revenue, addressing the widespread intellectual property theft and financial losses faced by legitimate broadcasters.

• Thailand and Malaysia launched a synchronized international raid to dismantle a major illegal movie piracy network. • The joint operation targeted a large-scale streaming network that distributed copyrighted content illegally across both nations. • This collaboration highlights a growing regional effort to combat digital piracy and protect the intellectual property rights of the entertainment industry.

• Italy's financial police dismantled a sophisticated illegal streaming piracy network on Friday. • The operation caused approximately €300 million ($348 million) in damages to major rights holders, including Sky, DAZN, Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify. • The network operated by selling illegal subscriptions to users for prices ranging between €40 and €130 per year.