Amazon Fire Stick crackdown to stop football fans watching matches for free

An Amazon Fire Stick crackdown has been launched to stop people streaming Sky channels for free.

A crackdown on Amazon Fire Sticks has been launched to prevent people from illegally streaming Sky channels, including football matches, for free.

Owners of the device have been warned about a trick that could get them into serious trouble, following two arrests related to illegal Fire TV devices being sold with unauthorized access to premium Sky packages.

A growing trend has seen the firesticks used for illegal streaming with some football fans using the device to watch live Premier League games and pay per view events.

The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) led an investigation and found a Telegram channel selling these illegal Fire Sticks. Detective Inspector Steve Payne, from ERSOU's Regional Organised Crime Unit, said this week: "We know from experience that the money generated through illegal means such as this often goes on to fund wider organised criminality, which is why it's key to apprehend those involved,"

He added: "We have also gained access to the details of those purchasing the streams, and I would remind anyone doing so that they will be breaking the law and could ultimately be subject to criminal proceedings,"

A spokesperson for FACT stated: "FACT constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland. We utilise a range of methods to identify individuals engaged in unauthorised businesses that offer access to illegal streams."

"One of these methods is through our partnership with Crimestoppers to make it as easy as possible to report illegal streaming, and over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of reports directly linked to Fire Sticks and illegal streaming."

These reports are then investigated by our Intelligence Unit, and followed up with a rolling programme of action which includes issuing 'Cease and Desist' letters and conducting nationwide 'Knock and Talks'. We also work in close collaboration with law enforcement to gather further evidence to actively pursue legal actions against these criminal entities."

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.