A man who operated an illicit streaming service broadcasting Premier League matches has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison, according to the Express. Michael Barrow, founder of the “MB Streams” service, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Fraud Act at Swansea Crown Court.
Barrow’s operation illegally streamed top-flight Premier League fixtures to more than 2,000 subscribers, generating over £200,000 in illicit revenue. The scheme relied on pre-loaded Firesticks, and Barrow even instructed his regular customers to disguise their bank transfers as purchases of retro football kits in an attempt to evade detection.
Premier League-led prosecution
The case against Barrow was brought by the Premier League, with significant backing from FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) and the TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit’s Economic Crime Team in south Wales. This prosecution marks the latest substantial custodial sentence handed down in an ongoing effort to combat illegal streaming operations.
Stefan Sergot, Premier League Director of Legal – Enforcement, highlighted the severity of the outcome. “This sentence once again highlights the severe consequences for individuals involved in supplying illegal streaming services,” Sergot stated. “The decision to ignore clear warnings only compounded the seriousness of the offending, and this is reflected in the sentence handed down today.” Barrow had reportedly received prior warnings before his eventual punishment.
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Risks and wider implications
The crackdown on illegal streaming services underscores the significant risks associated with such activities. Beyond the direct financial impact on legitimate broadcasters and rights holders, illegal streaming is often linked to wider criminal activity and can expose unsuspecting fans to dangers such as fraud, malware, and identity theft.
Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, reiterated this point. “Illegal streaming is not a victimless crime. It damages the creative industries, undermines legitimate broadcasters, sports rights holders and service providers, and exposes users to serious risks, including fraud, malware and criminal exploitation.”
The Premier League emphasizes that the sale of its broadcast rights is fundamental to its financial model, underpinning support across the entire football pyramid. Prosecutions like Barrow’s are crucial in protecting this model and ensuring the integrity of the sport’s financial ecosystem.
Sources: www.express.co.uk
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