Dutch authorities shut down large illegal streaming service in operation

Dutch authorities recently participated in an operation that successfully shut down one of the largest illegal streaming services in the world. The operation, which involved the arrest of 11 suspects from Croatia, was supported by Eurojust and Europol. The suspects were apprehended for illegally distributing material from online streaming platforms, such as films and series. In addition to pirating over two thousand TV channels, the illegal service catered to more than 22 million users globally, generating a staggering 250 million euros in illegal profits every month. The copyright holders reportedly lost out on a revenue of 10 billion euros due to the illicit streaming service.

The suspects allegedly used encrypted messaging services to communicate and evade detection. They also employed false identities to register phone numbers, credit cards, server rentals, and television subscriptions. Following a coordinated effort facilitated by Eurojust, the illegal streaming service was dismantled on November 26. The Dutch financial crimes inspectorate FIOD and the Public Prosecution Service of Rotterdam collaborated with authorities from Italy, Croatia, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom to carry out the operation.

During searches conducted in Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Romania, Croatia, the United Kingdom, and China, authorities seized over 1.6 million euros in cryptocurrency and 40,000 euros in cash. Separately, Dutch authorities joined forces with counterparts from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to investigate 247TVStream. The website, which primarily streamed pirated live sports events to a global audience, reportedly earned approximately 7 million dollars in revenue.

According to the indictment, Noor Nabi Chowdhury and his brother, Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, were accused of running 247TVStream since 2017. The duo allegedly collected subscription fees ranging from about 10 dollars per month to provide access to sporting events and live TV channels. They purportedly subscribed to multiple paid accounts from legitimate streaming services and relayed those streams to 247TVStream users. Moreover, they are accused of using shell companies and an unwitting individual’s personal data to falsify ownership information, enabling them to access payment processing services and bank accounts for subscriber fees and infrastructure expenses.

The estimated economic harm caused by 247TVStream to copyright owners of television programs and licensed streaming services is said to exceed $100 million. Noor Nabi Chowdhury was arrested in New York on various charges related to copyright infringement, wire fraud, and identity theft, while Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman remains at large.