Spanish law enforcement recently dismantled a major illegal streaming network known as TVMucho, also referred to as Teeveeing. The network, which had been operational since 2015, amassed more than $5.7 million from distributing pirated TV and film content to its thousands of subscribers. Find out more below!
The Investigation and Arrests
The crackdown began in November 2022 after the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) lodged a complaint against two websites that were infringing intellectual property rights. These websites were found to be critical components of a sprawling IPTV service that attracted over 4 million visits in 2023 alone.
Upon investigation, the Spanish police found that the site operators were running a massive illegal IPTV operation, which provided about 14,000 subscribers with access to 130 international TV channels and a vast library of movies and series.
According to the police’s announcement, “They used the latest technology and the most advanced technical devices to capture signals emitted via satellite in many countries, signals that they later amplified to decrypt the multimedia content they transported.”
Subscribers were charged between $11 and $20.5 monthly, or $97 and $182.5 annually, depending on the service tier they selected. This pricing structure enabled the network operators to accumulate substantial profits.
Legal Consequences and Seizures
After conducting raids in several cities, including Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Madrid, Oviedo, and Málaga, the Spanish police arrested eight people connected to the IPTV operation. The suspects are thought to be associates of the operation’s leader, a Dutch national who is also under investigation.
During the searches, the police seized critical equipment, froze $86,400 in bank accounts, and took down the servers that supported 16 illegal streaming sites. These sites now redirect visitors to the Spanish police website, displaying a confiscation notice.
While the financial loss may sting for current subscribers, a more pressing issue looms: the possibility of legal repercussions. The servers containing subscriber data are now in police custody, which could potentially expose users to fines for accessing these illegal services.
Final Word
The dismantling of TVMucho clearly highlights the dangers of using illegal streaming services. Such actions carry legal risks and harm the creative industries. Consumers are advised to choose legal streaming options like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus to stay within the law and support the ongoing viability of the entertainment sectors.
Anas Hasan
June 3, 2024
1 year ago
