Greek police dismantle pirate IPTV network serving 86,000 global subscribers
Greek authorities successfully dismantled an illegal IPTV network serving approximately 86,000 subscribers, which had caused an estimated 50 million euros in losses to legitimate Greek services. The operation resulted in seven arrests, asset freezes, and the seizure of extensive server infrastructure, VPN services, and decoding devices used to piratically retransmit protected content.
Key Takeaways
- The network generated at least €7 million in illegal revenue since beginning operations as early as 2017.
- Legitimate Greek subscription services suffered estimated cumulative losses exceeding €50 million.
- Authorities successfully identified a database listing 86,000 end users and announced intent to impose administrative fines.
- The criminal organization spent over €280,000 on technological infrastructure, including VPNs and offshore servers, to evade detection.
- The operation resulted in the seizure of decoding hardware, records of international bank transfers, and €18,885 in cash.
Why It Matters
The systematic identification of 86,000 subscribers marks a significant escalation from targeting only distributors to penalizing end users directly. For rights holders, this provides a blueprint for disrupting the demand side of piracy while quantifying specific revenue leakage. Within the broader ecosystem, the use of international server networks and sophisticated VPN concealment reflects the professionalization of pirated services that compete directly with legal OTT offerings. Watch for whether Greek authorities follow through with individualized fines for the 86,000 users, as this would signal a harder regulatory environment for illegal consumption across the EU.
Additional Context
The Greek operation aligns with a broader European crackdown on digital piracy. Per BleepingComputer and Europol, June 2026, a separate seven-month international sweep titled 'Operation Kratos 2' recently dismantled nine organized crime groups and removed 27,000 illegal streaming URLs across 13 countries. This coordinated initiative resulted in 29 arrests and identified over 18,000 IP addresses linked to pirate IPTV services, specifically targeting the technological infrastructure used to redistribute live sports and premium film content ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Simultaneously, Greece has updated its domestic legal framework to increase the liability for end users. According to reports from The National Herald and Law 5179/2025 (February 2025), Greek legislation now allows for administrative fines of €750 for private individuals accessing pirated content, which can double for repeat offenses. The law also categorizes illegal subscription use as a criminal offense punishable by a minimum of one year in prison, though criminal liability can be waived if the offender pays twice the administrative fine amount.
Industry groups are also intensifying pressure on European regulators for faster enforcement. As noted by Broadband TV News in October 2025, a coalition of 36 major organizations, including LaLiga, Sky, and Disney, petitioned the European Commission for binding legislation. They are requesting 'live dynamic blocking orders' that would force intermediaries to remove illegal live streams within 30 minutes of notification, citing data that voluntary takedown measures failed to suspend 81% of detected illegal streams during the 2024 season.
Read full article at greekcitytimes.com
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