Police ‘are trawling through dodgy Fire Stick sellers’ bank accounts to contact illegal viewers’ of Premier League football and films

Police and other UK enforcement bodies are stepping up efforts to tackle the sale and use of modified Fire Sticks that provide access to paid TV services without a subscription. Former detective Rav Wilding says investigators may examine sellers’ bank accounts to identify people who paid for the services, then contact them; using a device for piracy can be a crime, even though owning the stick itself is not.

The article estimates that around four million people or households currently have these devices, which typically cost £30 to £100, compared with about £30 a month for Sky Sports. Authorities have raided sellers and pursued convictions, while subscription providers are also taking action. FACT says its responses range from cease-and-desist notices and visits to criminal prosecutions, targeting sellers, distributors and others involved in the activity.