A long-running and complex investigation into a criminal enterprise that sold illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services has resulted in confiscation orders totalling £410,000.
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the National Crime Agency Accredited Financial Investigator (NCA AFI), Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge Councils, Sky Broadcasting UK Ltd and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), began in December 2022.
It uncovered evidence of an illegal operation being conducted from a business and a private residential address in Ilford, involving the unauthorised provision of digital television services to customers using Amazon Fire Sticks and TV set-top boxes.
A criminal trial was held in September 2023, although one defendant absconded to Pakistan and was sentenced in his absence to seven years’ imprisonment. His co-accused received a five-year sentence for his involvement.
Barking and Dagenham Council led on a subsequent Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA) investigation and initiated proceedings to recover the financial gains of the criminal enterprise.
Snaresbrook Crown Court assessed the illicit gains at £340,000 and £70,000 for each defendant. Expert evidence provided by the AFI over two days resulted in PoCA Confiscation Orders being granted for these amounts.
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “This case exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in tackling complex financial crimes. The combined expertise and dedication of all parties involved were crucial in bringing these offenders to justice and recovering significant criminal proceeds.”
