Law enforcement authorities across Europe, supported by Europol and Eurojust, have dismantled one of the largest illegal streaming networks operating within and beyond the EU. The Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA), of which United Media is a member, supported this operation.

The investigation targeted 102 suspects, with 11 arrests in Croatia, for illegally distributing content from streaming services, including movies and series. The network also pirated over 2,500 television channels, including sports broadcasters, and provided access to more than 22 million users worldwide without the consent of copyright holders. In addition to intellectual property crimes (copyright infringement), there are indications of related offenses, such as money laundering and cybercrime, which remain under investigation.

AAPA has collaborated with the Catania Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Croatian State Attorney Office for Suppression of Corruption and Organized Crime, and law enforcement agencies in Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Croatia, and England to dismantle this global transnational criminal organization.

United Media, as a member of AAPA, provided expert support for the operation.

During the searches, authorities seized over €1.65 million in cryptocurrency and more than €40,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds of the illegal activities. These confiscated assets represent only a fraction of the estimated €3 billion annual revenue generated by this illegal business.

United Media, as a proud member of AAPA since 2018, is deeply committed to the fight against piracy, which is not only an attack on the creative industries but also a threat to the broader economy and society. This operation underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating such sophisticated criminal networks. By protecting intellectual property rights, we are safeguarding the future of innovation and creativity while ensuring a safer digital environment for all users. United Media will continue to stand at the forefront of efforts to combat digital piracy and its far-reaching consequences.

Digital piracy severely damages the entertainment and creative industries across Europe and is often orchestrated by sophisticated criminal organizations that use their profits to fund other serious crimes. Additionally, illegal streaming services expose users to significant risks, including data theft, fraud, and malware.

Other AAPA members involved include Premier League, Sky Group, Nagravision, Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), beIN Sports, Friend MTS, and Irdeto.