Fresh clampdown on illegal 'dodgy box' streaming services in Mayo

Fifteen retail outlets across the country - including one in Mayo - have been targeted as part of an enforcement operation to clamp down on them enabling access to illegal streaming services via so-called 'dodgy boxes'.

As part of the operation, the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) - working together with Sky TV - delivered legal notices to shops and resellers in Mayo, Cavan, Donegal, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Meath and Wexford.

According to RTÉ News, eleven of the visits were conducted by FACT investigators, with four more carried out by legal representatives from Sky.

It is reported the targeted outlets were found to be either selling subscriptions to illegal streaming services, supplying devices configured to access them, or referring customers to resellers via phone numbers or advertising materials.

Following the operation, all 15 stores were given a deadline to stop the activities or face further action, with FACT saying that so far "the vast majority have responded to the legal notices and have agreed to cease their illegal activities."

Commenting on the latest operation, FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said: "It shows that we are actively targeting every link in the illegal streaming supply chain.

"When shop owners sell illegal streaming devices, subscriptions or act as referral points to providers, they are supporting criminal organisations and generating criminal profits."