Raid shuts down 'prolific' illegal Sky Sports SPFL streaming operation in Glasgow

An operation involving police and TV network Sky has seen a “prolific source” of illegal content streaming shut down.

Officers executed a search warrant at a property in Millennium Court in Glasgow on Thursday and seized a number of items in relation to copyright crime.

Sky said the operation blocked the source of “stolen” content and helped to “keep consumers safe from the very real risks of accessing content in this way”.

The broadcast giant has been the exclusive rights holder of Premiership matches since 2020 after striking a record deal with league bosses.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said the police raid was crucial to “support the major investment Sky is putting into the game.”

A 49-year-old man was arrested and charged with offences under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Matt Hibbert, Sky’s director of anti-piracy in the UK and Ireland, said: “We supported Police Scotland in taking this action, which not only blocks access to a prolific source of stolen Sky content, but ultimately helps keep consumers safe from the very real risks of accessing content in this way.”

Detective inspector Andy MacLean said: “This operation is an excellent example of how partnership working can tackle criminals conducting intellectual property crime.

“This type of crime is taken seriously and one man has been arrested.

“Together with our partners, we’re determined to crack down on those who are involved in defrauding the television, film and sport industry, and bring them to justice.”

Police said the man was charged with offences under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Mr Doncaster added : “We welcome the action taken by Police Scotland, and are hugely supportive of their efforts to tackle illegal streaming.

“We’ve just seen the conclusion of another thrilling season, and as we look ahead to the 2022/23 campaign it’s important that we do everything we can to protect customers who invest in legitimate subscriptions and support the major investment which Sky, our broadcast partners, are putting into the game.”