U.S. SEIZES NEARLY 400 ILLEGAL STREAMING DOMAINS DURING FIFA WORLD CUP ANTI-PIRACY OPERATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal authorities have seized nearly 400 internet domains allegedly used to illegally stream FIFA World Cup matches as part of an international enforcement operation targeting online piracy networks operating across multiple countries.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the coordinated operation focused on websites accused of providing unauthorized broadcasts of World Cup matches without permission from copyright holders. The enforcement action was announced as the tournament entered its knockout stage, one of the most heavily viewed portions of the global competition.

Federal officials said the operation was designed not only to protect intellectual property rights but also to reduce cybersecurity risks commonly associated with illegal streaming platforms.

“These streamers not only violate copyright laws but also expose viewers to potential threats—including malware attacks and unsecure connections that can compromise personal and financial data,” Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ Washington Field Office, said in a statement.

International Anti-Piracy Operation

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice’s International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) Network.

Federal officials said FIFA worked alongside investigators by identifying infringing domains, while NBCUniversal, the U.S. broadcaster of the tournament, and other industry partners also assisted the investigation.

According to the Department of Justice, investigators targeted servers and internet domains operating in Peru and Bulgaria, countries authorities identified as significant hubs for online piracy activity. Additional enforcement actions supported by the ICHIP Network were carried out in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia.

The multinational operation reflects the increasingly international nature of digital piracy investigations, which frequently require cooperation between multiple governments, prosecutors, internet service providers, and private companies.

Cybersecurity Risks Extend Beyond Copyright Violations

Federal investigators emphasized that illegal streaming websites often present cybersecurity risks that extend well beyond copyright infringement.

Many unauthorized streaming services rely on malicious advertising networks, deceptive downloads, fraudulent subscription offers, browser exploits, or malware capable of stealing login credentials, banking information, and other sensitive personal data.

Cybersecurity professionals have also warned that some illegal streaming platforms distribute malicious software through fake video players, counterfeit browser updates, or embedded scripts that attempt to compromise users’ devices while they access pirated content.

In addition to exposing users to cyber threats, illegal streaming operations frequently generate substantial criminal revenue through advertising fraud, subscription fees, cryptocurrency payments, and the sale of stolen user information.

Continuing Crackdown on Illegal IPTV Services

Authorities said this is not the first major enforcement action targeting illegal sports streaming operations.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Homeland Security Investigations seized more than 70 domains allegedly involved in unauthorized broadcasts.

Federal investigators have also pursued several large-scale illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services in recent years, including operations accused of distributing copyrighted sporting events to millions of viewers without authorization.

Investigators say sophisticated piracy organizations can generate millions of dollars by illegally redistributing premium sporting events, television programming, and other copyrighted content while operating through networks of international servers designed to complicate law enforcement investigations.

Federal officials indicated that enforcement efforts targeting online piracy networks will continue as authorities work with international partners to identify and disrupt organizations responsible for large-scale copyright infringement and related cyber-enabled criminal activity.

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