Crackdown on television piracy: nearly 40 individuals have been searched for computer fraud aimed at illegally obtaining Sky and Mediaset Premium codes.
The Communications Police have taken action against 39 individuals accused of engaging in conduct that violates copyright law. Searches have been initiated, uncovering documents and equipment used for acquiring and distributing paid codes for viewing Sky and Mediaset Premium channels.
The system was based on paying very small amounts for access to the entire pay-per-view satellite offering in Italy.
The network, only partially dismantled and of a pyramid scheme nature, likely extends far beyond national borders, reaching into Germany and Switzerland.
The 39 individuals searched reside in Emilia Romagna, Sicily, Lazio, and Piedmont. According to current information, they are professionals in the sector, including sellers and technicians skilled in “isolating” codes for accessing Sky or Mediaset programs from legitimate smart cards, which were normally purchased and paid for by unsuspecting users who regularly paid for their subscriptions to their favorite channels.
The codes were then released online through a technique known in jargon as “card-sharing.” Those who acquired these codes, using specific decoders, were able to access satellite channels by paying a much lower fee than for normal Sky or Mediaset subscriptions.
The investigations by the Communications Police will continue, as it is suspected that the television piracy network is much more extensive.
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