Police are set to send a warning to thousands of people who are suspected of illegally streaming premium TV channels.
Lancashire Constabulary will send Cease and Desist Notice letters this week to suspected subscribers warning them they are committing a crime punishable by a maximum of five years in prison.
More than 7,000 people across the region are believed to be using the IPTV illegal streaming service.
The warning letter states that subscribing to these services could land viewers with a spell of imprisonment and/or a fine, and consequently, a criminal record - reports Lancashire Live.
The notice, one of the first of its kind aimed at consumers of illegal streaming services, also makes clear that Lancashire Constabulary will monitor subscribers’ behaviour and an investigation will be launched if the email is ignored.
This action is part of an ongoing investigation designed to crackdown on illegal streaming and those profiting from it.
The list of subscribers to the IPTV service was discovered after officers carried out a warrant at an address in Lytham in June.
A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with suspected illegal streaming of premium TV channels, fraud and money laundering. Two high value cars, designer clothing, jewellery and handbags were also seized from the address.
The man has since been released under investigation and enquiries continue.
Olivia Dodding from Lancashire Police Cyber Crime Unit said: “People who subscribe to these services might not realise that they are illegal, but the simple fact is that they are.
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“What may cost you a relatively small fee, actually results in television producers and sports broadcasters losing millions of pounds which affects their ability to make and show sports events and entertainments series, which many of us enjoy watching.
“Anyone who subscribes to IPTV or any other streaming service should stop now to avoid facing prosecutions themselves.”
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