The Federation Against Copyright Theft and Sky have delivered legal warnings to 10 suspected ‘dodgy box’ providers across Ireland, reports RTE.
The operators are accused of using Internet Protocol Television technology to sell illegal subscriptions to members of the public, giving them unauthorised access to television, films and live sport, reports RTE.
The latest enforcement action targeted providers operating in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Galway, Laois and Limerick.
FACT and Sky said the legal warnings were served to the resellers after their investigations identified the suspected operators and their addresses, reports RTE.
The cease-and-desist notices instructed those targeted to immediately stop selling illegal IPTV subscriptions — commonly known as ‘dodgy boxes’ — or face further action, including civil proceedings or referral to gardaÃ.
“Collectively, the services are believed to have supplied thousands of end-users and those accessing illegal services should be aware that their details may be identified and passed to authorities,” FACT said in a statement, reports RTE.
Earlier this year, Sky obtained a High Court order requiring Revolut to disclose the details of 304 subscribers and 10 resellers linked to an illegal streaming service.
Sky subsequently issued cease-and-desist letters to around 200 individuals who had paid for the unlawful subscriptions, reports RTE.
FACT Investigation Manager Nick Sumner said the latest clampdown demonstrates that it will continue targeting every part of the chain that promotes, sells and provides access to unauthorised content.
“Resellers are often the direct link between illegal streaming operations and members of the public,” Mr Sumner said, reports RTE.
“They sell subscriptions locally through personal recommendations, social media and messaging services, while exposing customers to unreliable services and wider risks involving fraud, malware and the misuse of personal information,” he added, reports RTE.
In September 2025, FACT and Sky delivered legal notices to 15 shops and resellers across nine counties.
“Illegal streaming is not a victimless crime — it damages jobs, drains investment from the Irish creative industries, and places viewers at risk,” said Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky Matthew Hibbert, reports RTE.
“It also puts money into the hands of criminals,” Mr Hibbert said, reports RTE.
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