DStv nails pirate

The MultiChoice Group says it scored a major victory in its fight against Internet streaming piracy in South Africa after arresting a key suspect involved in Waka TV.

MultiChoice, in collaboration with Irdeto and the Western Cape’s Cybercrime Unit, executed a raid on 31 May 2024 that led to the suspect’s arrest.

The suspect is allegedly involved in Waka TV, one of the most extensive pirate operations on the continent.

“This operation represents a major milestone in our relentless commitment to protecting MultiChoice Group’s content and the integrity of our broadcasting services,” said MultiChoice.

The suspect appeared in court on 3 June 2024, charged with fraud and contravening the Cybercrimes Act.

“Additional charges are being considered in consultation with the Senior Public Prosecutor,” MultiChoice added.

Part of the process involves analysing the equipment seized during the raid, which is expected to provide additional insights into the pirate network.

MultiChoice said more arrests are imminent.

“MultiChoice is actively working with the police as investigations continue into the thousands of individuals connected to the Waka TV pirate network,” said MultiChoice.

“Resellers supporting the mentioned pirate operation are also under investigation. This collaborative effort aims to dismantle the entire network and bring all perpetrators to justice.”

The suspect arrested during the raid is alleged to have managed several pirate customers and resellers.

The Waka TV operation illegally distributed live TV channels, including several movies, series, and channels from DStv.

“The disruption caused by this raid is a significant blow to the illegal streaming industry in Africa,” said MultiChoice.

The DStv owner thanked the Western Cape Cybercrime Unit for its support and professionalism in planning and executing the operation.

Consequences for pirate viewers

MultiChoice also highlighted the risks and consequences customers of illegal pirate networks like Waka TV could face.

These include legal risks, cybersecurity threats, poor service, financial loss, and a lack of customer support.

“Subscribing to pirate services can expose individuals to significant legal risks. Users may face fines or legal action for accessing content illegally,” said MultiChoice.

“By subscribing to pirate services, individuals indirectly support illegal activities and criminal networks that profit from piracy, harming the legitimate content industry.”

It added that pirate streaming services often lack robust security measures, potentially exposing users to malware, viruses, and other cybersecurity threats.

It also noted that although pirate services may seem cheaper, they can lead to financial losses.

“Subscribers risk losing their money if the service is shut down by authorities or if the operators disappear,” said MultiChoice.

Moreover, MultiChoice said these services are unreliable, with customers frequently experiencing poor streaming quality and service interruptions.