A man who masterminded the pirate streaming operation Dreambox has been ordered to pay almost £1 million into the public purse.Steven King was jailed for seven years and four months in March 2019 after he was found guilty of supplying illegal streaming devices capable of providing unauthorised access to Premier League content.
The judge at Warwick Crown Court today ordered King to forfeit the proceeds of his criminal activities and pay back £963,000 within three months, or face having his prison sentence extended by an additional six years and eight months.
King was one of three operators behind Dreambox, who were jailed for a total of 17 years for conspiracy to defraud; some of the longest sentences ever issued for piracy-related crimes.
Trading under the names Dreambox (unincorporated), Dreambox TV Limited, and Digital Switchover Limited the three men had provided illegal access to Premier League football to more than 1,000 pubs, clubs and homes throughout England and Wales.
Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb said: “This result clearly shows that supplying illegal streams is a criminal offence leading to prison sentences and significant financial consequences. We are pleased the courts have recognised the seriousness of piracy-related crimes and the Premier League has requested all money recovered goes back to public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, to help them continue the fantastic work they do in helping bring people like this to justice.
The original case was privately prosecuted by the Premier League following a joint investigation with FACT into the service.
FACT CEO Kieron Sharp said: “This is a warning to anyone selling subscriptions or devices that allow access to content without remunerating the legitimate provider – you risk time in jail and the loss of your properties, cars and other proceeds of crime. FACT will continue to work with the Premier League and other rights holders to crack down on illegal streaming and to hold those behind it accountable for their actions.”
The Premier League regularly works with broadcasters and authorities to combat the piracy of its content.
