Illegal Streaming Empire Crumbles: Brothers Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison

In a landmark case, two brothers from Ilford, East London, have been sentenced to a combined 11 years in prison for operating an illegal streaming service that provided unauthorized access to premium television content, including Sky. The brothers, Amir Butt and Ammar Hussain, were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud over a seven-year period, highlighting the severe consequences of engaging in such criminal activities.

Exposing the Illicit Streaming Empire: A Tale of Greed and Deception

The Fraudulent Operation: From Suburban Homes to Retail Outlets

The brothers' illegal streaming enterprise, which operated under the names Tech & Sat Ltd., Techsat, and Tech + Sat, was run from Butt's home on Grange Road, Ilford, and a shop on Cranbrook Road, Ilford. The pair sold annual subscriptions, priced at £200 (€234) each, that provided access to a range of sports and entertainment content. Investigators believe the brothers had thousands of customers, generating hundreds of thousands of pounds in revenue and depriving legitimate TV providers of over £1 million.

The Downfall: Collaboration and Forensic Evidence

The brothers' exploits came to the attention of Sky through the intellectual property protection organization, FACT. In March 2019, search warrants were executed by police and the London Borough of Redbridge's Trading Standards at the shop and two residential addresses. Butt was arrested at his home, while Hussain was apprehended at the shop. Significant amounts of cash and equipment, including Sky set-top boxes and viewing cards, were seized for further forensic analysis.

The Trial and Sentencing: Justice Served

The trial commenced in September 2023 and lasted for four weeks. Despite Butt's failure to appear, he was found guilty in absentia and sentenced to seven years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 21st, 2023. On August 13th, Ammar Hussain was sentenced to four years in prison, bringing the total sentence to 11 years for the brothers' criminal activities.

The Consequences: A Deterrent to Piracy and a Victory for Content Creators

Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, emphasized the significance of this verdict, stating that it serves as both a punishment for the offenders and a deterrent to others engaged in similar illegal activities. Piracy, he noted, weakens the creative industries, reduces opportunities for future content production, and funnels substantial profits into the hands of criminals. This case underscores the importance of collaboration between industry partners and law enforcement in combating intellectual property (IP) crime and protecting the rights of content creators and owners.

The Industry's Response: Safeguarding Legitimate Businesses and Consumers

Matt Hibbert, Sky's Group Director of Anti-Piracy, expressed gratitude for the assistance of FACT and the London Borough of Redbridge Trading Standards in dismantling this "brazen illegal streaming operation." He reiterated Sky's commitment to working with partners and law enforcement to safeguard their content and keep consumers safe from criminal piracy networks.

The Local Authority's Perspective: Protecting Legitimate Businesses

Sasha Taylor, Head of Community Protection and Licensing at Redbridge Council, emphasized that this prosecution sends a clear message that the authorities will take decisive action against those who attempt to undercut legitimate businesses through illegal activities. The council's Trading Standards department played a pivotal role in meticulously gathering evidence and presenting a robust case, leading to the successful prosecution of the two brothers.The sentencing of Amir Butt and Ammar Hussain to a combined 11 years in prison serves as a stark warning to those who engage in the illicit streaming of premium content. This case highlights the collaborative efforts of industry organizations, law enforcement, and local authorities in combating intellectual property crime and protecting the rights of content creators and legitimate businesses. The substantial sentences handed down in this case underscore the gravity of such offenses and the determination of the authorities to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.