Italian finance police have uncovered three illegal broadband TV distribution hubs in the southern region of Calabria, dismantling a piracy network that offered unauthorized access to premium streaming services including Netflix, Sky, Disney+ and DAZN.
The operation, carried out in the city of Crotone, led to the seizure of assets worth around €650,000 ($751,900) and the reporting of four Italian nationals to judicial authorities.
Anti-Piracy Push Ahead of World Cup
Authorities said the investigation forms part of a broader campaign to combat digital piracy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on Thursday in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The crackdown comes despite Italy’s absence from the tournament after failing to qualify.
Illegal Subscriptions Sold at Discount Prices
Investigators found that the network sold unauthorized subscriptions ranging from €10 to €40, giving customers access to premium content from multiple streaming platforms at a fraction of the official cost.
The service reportedly included customer support, making it appear similar to legitimate subscription providers.
Thousands of Users Identified
Police said they identified at least 2,769 users who had subscribed to the illegal service.
Authorities also discovered that proceeds generated through the piracy operation were allegedly reinvested into legitimate businesses and converted into cryptocurrencies in an effort to hide the origin of the funds.
Suspects Face Criminal Charges
The four suspects are being investigated for copyright infringement and self-laundering offences.
In addition to criminal proceedings against operators, authorities warned that users of illegal streaming services may also face penalties. Under Italian law, administrative fines for customers can range from €154 to €5,000.
Officials said efforts to combat illegal streaming networks will continue as major international sporting events attract increased demand for pirated content.
(with inputs from Reuters)
