A major pirate internet streaming service was nailed with the help of Western Cape police investigators last week.
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On 31 May, a ‘key suspect’ involved in the alleged pirate streaming operation, known as Waka TV, was arrested during a raid.
According to a statement, the MultiChoice Group labelled the feat as a ‘significant victory in the fight against internet streaming piracy.’
As reported by TechCentral, the broadcaster said it was involved in a ‘meticulously planned raid’ on 31 May. ‘This operation represents a major milestone in our relentless commitment to protecting MultiChoice Group’s content and the integrity of our broadcasting services’.
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Irdeto, the technology security subsidiary of MultiChoice, reportedly made a ‘substantial investment’ to investigate and identify the main suspect of the piracy network.
‘The suspect, who is believed to have managed several pirate customers and resellers, was detained,’ the company said.
It also stated that Waka TV ‘illegally distributed live TV channels, including several DStv channels, movies and series. The disruption caused by this raid is a significant blow to the illegal streaming industry in Africa.
‘MultiChoice is working actively with the police as investigations continue into the thousands of individuals connected to the Waka TV pirate network. Resellers supporting the pirate operation are also under investigation.’
‘This collaborative effort aims to dismantle the entire network and bring all perpetrators to justice.’
The individual, who has not been named, was arrested by members of the Western Cape Cybercrime Unit from the provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit and reportedly appeared in court on 3 June on charges of fraud and contravention of sections 2 to 8 of the Cybercrime Act.
Additional charges are being considered.
According to MultiChoice, the Western Cape Cybercrime Unit will analyse equipment seized during the raid. ‘This comprehensive analysis is expected to provide additional insights into the extent of the pirate network, and more arrests are imminent,’ it said.
Cape {town} Etc reached out to the South African Police Service for comment.
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