Illegal subscription TV network with 86,000 users dismantled
Police from the Organised Crime Directorate dismantled a network that sold pirated television content to 86,000 customers. The profits are estimated at 7 million euros, while money laundering is being investigated.
Illegal subscription TV network with 86,000 users dismantled
Police officers from the Organised Crime Directorate dismantled a criminal network that sold illegal access to television content to 86,000 customers throughout the country, with main activity in Crete.
Seven people aged 31 to 73 were arrested, including one woman. Five additional associates and 71 end users of the services are also facing charges.
The gang supplied its customers with special decoding boxes and software for smart devices, giving them access to channels without lawful authorisation. The financial gains obtained by the perpetrators are estimated at over 7 million euros, whilst the legitimate companies in the sector suffered losses exceeding 50 million euros.
The structure of the group resembled a professional company. Each person had a specific position: some managed the servers and software, others updated the available material, whilst others served customers and resolved technical issues. Users paid a subscription and received installation instructions.
The network operated with technological equipment in multiple countries, a fact demonstrating that its operation had international dimensions. For the purchase and maintenance of technical equipment alone, more than 280,000 euros had been spent.
Authorities are examining the possibility that the revenue from the illegal enterprise was being converted into "clean" money through the purchase of luxury vehicles, high-value real estate and bank deposits abroad. An investigation is being conducted into properties in Attica and Agrinio.
To move the money, the perpetrators used dozens of bank accounts and electronic payment methods in Greece and abroad. They made use of digital wallets, prepaid cards and other means of transferring funds, whilst in many cases customers paid in cash.
Source: ERT News
Source: ERT