Donegal and Cavan shops targeted in 'dodgy box' sting

Legal notices have been delivered to 15 shops and resellers in the Republic of Ireland as agencies attempt to clamp down on illegal TV streaming services on so-called "dodgy boxes".

The shops were across nine counties, including two in Ulster, which were found to be either selling subscriptions and devices or referring customers to resellers.

The enforcement operation, the first to directly target retail outlets, was conducted by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) and Sky.

Investigators and legal representatives targeted premises in Counties Donegal and Cavan, as well as Kerry, Louth, Laois, Mayo, Kilkenny, Wexford and Meath.

The chairman of Fact, Kieron Sharp, said the landmark sting shows that "every link in the illegal streaming supply chain" is being targeted.

Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme, Mr Sharp said the notices served are not legally binding, however if the orders are not complied with, there could be criminal or civil action taken.

"We know what they're doing," he said.

"They're alerted to the fact we know what they're doing, and what the consequences will be if they don't stop."

'If you don't pay for them, they won't exist'

Agencies are attempting to crackdown on the use of illegal streaming devices and services

Those engaging in the activities are often high street shops, Mr Sharp added, selling phone chargers, electronics and other accessories.

Mr Sharp described the crackdown as a disruptive and preventative exercise, and that those engaging in illegal streaming services need to be aware it is not a victimless crime.

"We don't want to criminalise customers, we want to turn customers into legal, paying customers," he added.

"The money that's paid for, say the sports rights, by television companies has to be recouped in some way, shape or form so all of those companies can produce this content.

"These are activities that the creative industries give to us and they're things we enjoy doing and if you don't pay for them, they won't exist it's as simple as that."

The premises have all been given a deadline to cease activities, or face further action.

Fact said the "vast majority" have responded and agreed to stop.

Since March 2023, about 70 illegal streaming services in the Republic of Ireland have been closed and tens of thousands of illegal streams have been disrupted.

Dodgy boxes puts people 'at real risk'

The chief of Sky Ireland, JD Buckley, said the partnership shows those profiting from piracy will be "found and stopped".

"Illegal streaming puts consumers at real risk of online harms including fraud and identity theft while draining money away from the creative industries that invest in the shows and sports people love," he added.

"At Sky, we're determined to protect our customers and ensure we continue producing world-class content."

In October 2024, Cormac McGuckin from County Londonderry was sentenced to two years in prison and two on licence after he made almost £500,000 from selling illegal TV sports streaming services.

His wife, Maura McGuckin, was given a 12-month suspended sentence for having criminal property.