Several suspects were arrested for illegally preloading applications for DStv streaming. File Picture: Independent Newspapers
An anti-piracy operation by MultiChoice and the South African law enforcement agencies in Gauteng yielded success which led to the arrests of several suspects involved in the illegal distribution of streaming devices preloaded with unauthorised applications for accessing DStv and other premium content.
MultiChoice said these raids represent significant strides in its ongoing campaign to protect its content, secure the entertainment industry, and reduce risks to consumers associated with pirated devices.
The first raid, conducted in Booysens, Johannesburg, uncovered a distribution network supplying unauthorised streaming devices. Through extensive investigative work, MultiChoice and the members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks) identified individuals allegedly involved in the sale of these devices, which are embedded with applications allowing illegal access to premium television content.
On October 30, an undercover operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the confiscation of multiple devices used in this illicit activity.
The second raid, held in Kempton Park, involved a similar buy-and-bust operation on October 29. After purchasing a preloaded device from a suspect, the Hawks moved in to arrest the individual, who was later identified as part of a larger syndicate.
The investigations indicate that organised crime networks fuel the illegal streaming market, leaving consumers exposed to data privacy threats and financial risks.
MultiChoice said using pirated devices poses a considerable danger to the public, as individuals paying for unauthorised services risk having their personal information, including payment details tracked and exploited by criminal syndicates.
It said these criminal networks not only profit from illegal content distribution but also jeopardises consumer data and privacy, often leading to fraud and identity theft.
The Anti-Piracy Director of Broadcast and Cybersecurity at MultiChoice-owned Irdeto, Frikkie Jonker commended the efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary.
“The SAPS and South African courts play an invaluable role in safeguarding intellectual property and supporting our mission against piracy. Piracy is not a victimless crime; it undermines the creative industry, affecting the livelihoods of those who work tirelessly to produce quality content while organised crime syndicates reap the profits,” Jonker said.
Suspects arrested in both raids have already made court appearances.
The suspects arrested in Booysens were granted R5,000 bail each and are expected back in court after further analysis of the confiscated equipment has been conducted.
The Kempton Park suspect appeared in court on October 30, and the matter was postponed until Wednesday, November 6, for further investigation into their residency status and possible connections to larger criminal networks.
MultiChoice said it remains dedicated to its partnerships with law enforcement to tackle piracy and educate consumers on the dangers of illegal streaming.
“By deploying robust anti-piracy technologies and supporting decisive legal actions, MultiChoice aims to ensure a secure and legitimate entertainment experience for viewers while fostering the growth and sustainability of South Africa’s creative industries,” it said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL