In a major crackdown on digital piracy, German authorities have arrested three individuals suspected of running a large-scale illegal streaming operation.
The network, which allegedly distributed a major pay-TV operator’s content to over 30,000 users worldwide, caused multi-million-euro damages, according to the Bavarian Central Office for Cybercrime.
The operation, carried out on 18 February 2025, followed nearly two years of intensive investigations by the Cybercrime Division of the Hof Criminal Police and the Bavarian Central Office for Cybercrime. The probe began in June 2023 after the affected pay-TV operator filed a complaint.
The prime suspect, a 36-year-old man from the Wunsiedel district, is believed to have managed the illegal distribution with the help of accomplices. To dismantle the network, police formed a special task force named “Panel,” leading to extensive coordinated raids across 17 locations. Over 150 law enforcement officers from Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, and Saarland took part in the operation.
The authorities seized around €16,000 in cash, €35,000 in cryptocurrencies, and over 200 digital devices. They also deactivated multiple servers used to operate the illegal streaming services.
The three main suspects were arrested and remain in custody following warrants issued by the Bamberg District Court. They face charges including commercial computer fraud, which carries potential prison sentences ranging from six months to ten years. Additional suspects are under investigation for either reselling or personally utilising the illegal streaming services.
