A former seller of Illegal Streaming Devices (ISDs) in Sim Lim Square was sentenced today after pleading guilty to 16 charges related to selling devices that came installed with applications that allow users to access copyrighted content, including Premier League football matches.
Ge Xin, a 37-year-old Singaporean who ran two retail outlets – MT Gadget+ Pte Ltd and Grandnew Pte Ltd – was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment in relation to 8 charges. The two companies received fines of SGD$200,000 and SGD$100,000 respectively in relation to 4 charges each.
This is the first-ever prosecution under section 150 of the Copyright Act 2021, which imposes liability for copyright infringement on commercial dealers of ISDs. It follows the raids by the Singapore Police Force on ISD sellers in Sim Lim Square on 4 October 2022. The Premier League has been supporting the Intellectual Property Rights Branch of the Singapore Police Force throughout the case.
This prosecution marks a significant milestone in the fight against piracy in Singapore. It also makes clear there are severe consequences for businesses and individuals involved in selling and distributing copyrighted content, including the dealing of ISDs.
Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb said: “The significant outcome of this case again confirms there are serious consequences for those supplying unauthorised access to Premier League football.
“We welcome this landmark prosecution, which is the result of detailed investigations carried out in collaboration with the Singapore Attorney-General Chambers and the Intellectual Property Rights Branch of the Singapore Police Force. We thank them for their commitment and expertise in the investigations and prosecutions following the initial raids in 2022.
“This is the first of multiple cases to emerge from those raids and is the latest significant milestone in our work to combat piracy in partnership with local enforcement authorities.
“We will continue to take action against piracy and work to raise awareness among fans of the risks associated with using illegal services – the safest and best way for fans in Singapore to watch Premier League action is via authorised broadcast partner channels.”
The Premier League continues to work closely with its official broadcast licensee StarHub and remains committed to supporting Singapore law enforcement agencies and authorities in combatting piracy. In addition to enforcement action, the League identifies and blocks access to websites offering illegal streams.
Through the "Boot Out Piracy" campaign, which is running for a fourth consecutive season in Singapore, the Premier League raises awareness among fans of the risks associated with accessing Premier League content via illegal sources.
The sentence is subject to the right of appeal.
