Germany: Over 1,000 users of illegal IPTV services under investigation, hefty penalties loom
Bavaria's central office for combating cybercrime is investigating more than 1,000 users of illegal streaming platforms. Previously, investigations focused on organisers, but now end users are increasingly being pursued as well.
Germany: Over 1,000 users of illegal IPTV services under investigation, hefty penalties loom
Bavaria's central office for combating cybercrime (ZCB) is investigating more than 1,000 people suspected of using illegal IPTV services. Previously, investigations focused primarily on organisers and operators of such networks, but police and prosecutors across Europe are increasingly pursuing end users, including those in Germany, according to Večernji list.
Access to illegal broadcasts is typically distributed through social networks and apps such as Facebook, Telegram and Reddit. According to data from the German Football League (DFL), more than six million people in Germany use illegal live broadcasts. Industry associations estimate the annual economic damage at around 1.8 billion euros.
The ZCB took action in two major cases in 2025. In one case, a group of suspects is alleged to have illegally sold access to pay-TV platforms to more than 30,000 users worldwide, resulting in damage in the millions. Raids led to the shutdown of servers, arrest warrants, and the seizure of cash and cryptocurrencies. In another operation, assets worth approximately 500,000 euros were seized.
During these operations, investigators secured servers, customer databases, email accounts, chat logs and payment data. This material is now also being used against end users. Investigators have already identified more than 1,000 users of illegal IPTV services as part of two active proceedings.
"This is an unauthorised infringement of related rights. The law provides for a fine or a prison sentence of up to three years for this offence," explained the chief prosecutor. However, legal experts expect that in most cases fines will be imposed by administrative penalty order. Penalties could range between 300 and 500 euros, and in individual cases may be higher.
Source: Večernji list (https://www.vecernji.hr/barkod/vise-od-tisucu-osoba-ovo-radi-u-njemackoj-a-zapravo-je-ilegalno-uskoro-im-stizu-ogromne-kazne-neki-ce-i-u-zatvor-1971893)
Source: Večernji list