A former accountant has been slammed with a three-year prison sentence for running a dodgy streaming service that offered cheap access to premium TV channels and on-demand shows.
How Nishan Silva Raked in Thousands from Pirates
34-year-old Nishan Silva from Blackhorse Lane, Hitchin, ran an illicit IPTV operation known as Andy UTV and Ultimate TV Service. Silva pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court on October 2 to distributing copyright-infringing content and handling criminal property.
The scam was exposed after TV giant Sky tipped off police. Authorities uncovered about 2,600 subscribers paying through online accounts with fake details. One account alone received over £256,000, with Silva pocketing at least £20,000 for himself.
Cops Crack Down on Illegal Streaming Rings
“Silva abused his professional knowledge for criminal gain,” said Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU). “This case highlights that those involved in illegal streaming will be pursued and prosecuted.”
Fryatt warned that such piracy drains vital cash from the creative industries and puts users at risk of fraud and malware attacks.
Sky Vows To Keep Fighting Content Pirates
Sky’s Group Director of Anti-Piracy, Matt Hibbert, added the sentence shows the courts mean business when it comes to piracy. He reaffirmed Sky’s commitment to safeguarding its content and customers.
Silva now faces additional prosecution under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover the stolen money.
