DStv busts pirate kingpin

MultiChoice has announced the arrest of a suspect involved in illegally selling pirated Internet streaming devices, which enabled users to access DStv content.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with subsidiary Irdeto and South African law enforcement and is the company’s second piracy-related arrest in the past week.

In a statement on Thursday, 6 June 2024, MultiChoice said the latest suspect was arrested for allegedly managing several pirate customers and resellers and selling pirate streaming devices.

They also allegedly distributed live TV content, including DStv channels, movies, and series.

“The entertainment group with its law enforcement partners have arrested another suspect involved in the illegal sale of Internet streaming pirate devices which allowed individuals to access MultiChoice content, violating several legal statutes,” MultiChoice said.

The arrest happened on Tuesday, 4 June, and the suspect faces charges for contravening several laws, including:

• Section 2 of the Cybercrime Act, which relates to unauthorised access to content;
• Sections 44 and 45 of the RICA Act, which relate to the possession and sale of infringing devices; and,
• Section 27 of the Copyright Act.

They are set to appear at the Kempton Park Magistrate Court after being granted bail of R3,000.

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

According to broadcasting cybersecurity anti-piracy director at Irdeto, Frikkie Jonker, pirate streaming networks pose a significant threat to the commercial distribution of content.

“Digital piracy, far from being a fringe activity, has become a widespread practice that transcends demographics and geographies, challenging the norms of intellectual property rights,” said Jonker.

“Acts of piracy, ranging from illegal streaming to black-market digital piracy, are forms of copyright infringement that undermine the efforts of content providers and the software industry.”

The latest arrest came within days of MultiChoice announcing that they had taken down a key suspect involved in Waka TV.

Waka TV illegally distributed live TV channels, including several movies, series, and channels for which DStv holds broadcasting rights.

The broadcaster and its investigation partners conducted a raid on 31 May 2024, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

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.

It said the process of analysing equipment seized during the raid would provide additional insights and likely lead to more arrests.

MultiChoice also had a message for people who use pirate streaming services.

It said accessing these services puts users at risk of cyber attacks, poor service, financial loss, and a lack of support. They could also face legal action.

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

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