Thousands of subscribers to an illegal streaming service have received a warning letter from the Police.Its understood Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies have obtained a list of subscribers to a service known as GE Hosting. The notice, issued by Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary Cyber, Intelligence and Serious Organised Crime Directorate, warns subscribing to these services is a crime which carries a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment.
The unprecedented action is believed to be the first-time subscribers have been warned in this way. It also makes clear that Police will continue to monitor subscribers’ behaviour and that should recipients ignore the instruction to cease illegal streaming it could lead to further investigation and even prosecution.
Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, said: “This is a hugely significant step by Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary and one that has our full support. It sends a really clear message to those facilitating this illegal activity and additionally to those choosing to consume content in this way – users of illegal services are accountable for their actions and they will be pursued. This will be an alarming wake-up call for people who use illegal streams. No one wants the police knocking on their door.
In June, a man who defrauded pay-TV providers of an estimated £2 million was jailed for 12 months.
