Gardaí switch off TV piracy set up

Gardaí have switched off a massive TV piracy operation in Cork, meaning up to 20,000 people no longer have tv.

Investigations into the illegal operation are set to continue after a number of raids took place yesterday in Cork. 

As part of ongoing investigations into the activities of an organised group involved in the distribution of set-top boxes without legitimate subscription from members, An Garda Síochána carried out seven searches at premises in the Cork region. The gardaí involved were attached to the Economic Crime Investigation Unit in the Cork City Division.

The searches were carried out by gardaí from Cork City Division, supported by local detectives, the local Computer Crime Investigation Unit in Cork city and representatives from Virgin Media, Sky TV and Nagra.

The fraud being investigated is estimated at up to €20m annually and involves up to 20,000 people, nationwide, utilising these type of fraudulent ‘set top’ boxes.

There are no arrests at this time and the investigation is ongoing.

A significant amount of electronic equipment and documentation of evidential value was seized, gardaí have confirmed.