Crackdown on Cheap Sky TV in UK

As the cost of living crisis continues to affect millions in the UK, many consumers are seeking cheaper alternatives to premium television services. This trend has led to a surge in illegal streaming options, which provide access to popular platforms like Sky Sports and Sky Cinema at significantly reduced prices. However, the rise in illegal streaming has caught the attention of UK authorities, prompting swift action to shut down these services and prosecute those involved. Recently, two brothers, Amir Butt and Ammar Hussain, were sentenced to a combined total of 11 years in prison for operating a major illegal streaming service. Their subscription-based operation, which charged £200 a year, attracted thousands of users, generating over £1 million in revenue. The fraudulent business, known under various names including Tech & Sat Ltd., was run from Butt’s home and a shop in Ilford, Essex. The investigation into their activities was initiated by Sky, in collaboration with the intellectual property protection organization FACT. During the arrests, authorities seized cash and a significant amount of equipment, including Sky set-top boxes and viewing cards, for forensic analysis. Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, emphasized the importance of this case as both a punishment for the offenders and a deterrent for others involved in similar illegal activities. Sky’s Group Director of Anti-Piracy, Matt Hibbert, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the serious consequences of engaging in illegal streaming and reaffirming the commitment to protect content creators and consumers from piracy networks.