Following a landmark case in Lebanon, the operator of a platform responsible for supplying illegal streams to pirate services around the world, has been convicted and sentenced to 11 months in prison and ordered to pay more than US$90,000 in penalties and damages.
Following a joint criminal complaint by the Premier League, Sky and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), the defendant was found guilty of five criminal charges including various intellectual property and cybercrime-related offences. The ruling also ordered that the websites seized be shut down, the defendant’s devices be cleared of all data, and the deletion of all accounts used for client and customer communication. This reinforces the local judicial authorities’ commitment to protecting global intellectual property rights and combating cybercrimes.
The successful conviction for illegal streaming of live sports events, movies and international TV channels follows a collaborative and coordinated action, alongside local authorities and supported by ALEM & Associates.
Kevin Plumb, Premier League General Counsel, said: “The outcome of this case highlights the severity with which courts across the world continue to treat all forms of piracy, and the stark consequences for those responsible for this criminality.
“The case further demonstrates the Premier League’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property around the world. This is not only important to us and our broadcast partners, but it is essential for the future health of English football and the protection of our fans.
“This case perfectly shows the benefits of working alongside other rights owners. I would like to thank our co-complainants, Sky and ACE, for their trusted partnership throughout these unique and complex proceedings leading up to this conviction.”
Matt Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, added: “This ruling sends a strong message that those who illegally steal our content will be pursued and can be brought to justice, no matter where in the world they are. We thank the Premier League, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment and international law enforcement, whose partnership with us in fighting piracy is critical.
“The Lebanese judicial authorities in Lebanon, in collaboration with the Lebanese Cyber Crime Bureau successfully pursued the prosecution of this individual, who has been involved in the egregious theft of content for many years. We will continue to take steps to shut down organised criminal networks who are intent on stealing our content and whose activities expose consumers to real risks of malware, identity theft and data loss."
Karyn Temple, Senior Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel for the Motion Picture Association, said: “This case is a prime example of how collaboration with ACE members, other rights owners and local authorities is making an impact in the global fight against piracy. In addition, the sentencing sends a strong message of deterrence to those who wilfully violate the intellectual property rights of creators around the world—piracy is a crime, and infringers will face serious consequences.”