MultiChoice nails three pirates in three months

MultiChoice’s Irdeto Anti-Piracy Department Irdeto has teamed up with the Western Cape Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit to successfully conduct three targeted enforcement operations against content piracy in the province over the past three months.

These raids were conducted in Maitland, Wellington, and Worcester.

“The latest enforcement actions reaffirm the unwavering commitment of MultiChoice, Irdeto, and law enforcement agencies to dismantling piracy networks and preventing unauthorised access to DStv content,” MultiChoice said.

“Individuals apprehended during these operations face serious charges, including money laundering, copyright infringement, and cybercrime offences.”

The first of these raids was conducted in Wellington on 28 January, in partnership with the Wellington South African Police Services (Saps), when a suspect was arrested for alleged unauthorised content distribution.

The person has since appeared in court, and further hearings are scheduled for March this year.

A few weeks later, authorities, supported by the Western Cape Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, conducted a raid in Maitland, Cape Town, where one suspect was raided.

The suspect was allegedly engaged in illegal streaming operations. The investigation is still ongoing.

At the end of January, a raid was carried out in Worcester, which resulted in the arrest of an alleged Waka TV reseller.

MultiChoice said a team captured a man suspected of selling smart TV boxes pre-installed with apps that provide unauthorised access to DStv content.

Authorities confiscated 12 smart TV boxes, a USB drive, and a Huawei P20 smartphone from the premises.

“The collaboration between MultiChoice, Irdeto, and law enforcement agencies remains essential in protecting intellectual property and ensuring the broadcasting industry remains secure from illegal operators,” MultiChoice said.

Irdeto announced its partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in November 2024.

It said the partnership would allow for a new level of enforcement and dedication to tackling pirate streaming services and protecting the media landscape.

“The Western Cape Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit has shown remarkable commitment and support in helping us fight against broadcasting piracy,” said Irdeto’s director of Broadcast and Cybersecurity, Frikkie Jonker.

“We are confident that with this new partnership, we will be able to protect our content more effectively and further disrupt illegal streaming networks.”

MultiChoice has more raids in the pipeline, according to Jonker.

“We are resolute in our mission to combat piracy and protect MultiChoice’s content,” Jonker said.

“More raids are planned, and we will continue taking firm action against illegal streaming operations.”