Ringleader é preso após multa de 7,5 milhões de libras

Em um acórdão histórico, um líder de streaming ilegal conhecido como “Dash, o Iraniano” foi condenado a 23 meses de prisão e multado com £ 7,5 milhões ($ 10,2 milhões) após uma extensa investigação de oito anos. O acórdão do tribunal espanhol revelou as atividades criminosas de Dash, que operou um império de vários milhões de libras da Espanha, gerando receitas significativas através de conteúdos de esportes e entretenimento pirateados. A investigação, que se estendeu de 2015 a 2020, estimou que a organização ilícita ganhou mais de £ 13 milhões ($ 17 milhões). Dash foi encontrado culpado de operar uma sofisticada rede criminal transnacional que forneceu acesso a milhares de sites de esportes de streaming pirateados, alcançando uma audiência de dois milhõesAlongside four other defendants, Dash accepted charges related to intellectual property violations and money laundering in exchange for reduced sentences. The total fines and damages imposed on the group amounted to £17 million ($23 million). The revenue generated from their streaming services, which included broadcasting Premier League and Champions League matches, enabled Dash to invest in a £3.5 million ($4.7 million) residential complex in Tehran and a £1.5 million ($2 million) property in Barcelona.

The investigation culminated in a series of raids on June 3, 2020, supported by Europol, which resulted in the seizure of luxury vehicles, Rolex watches, and large sums of cash. A total of 15 premises were searched, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals across four countries, including Spain, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. The operation revealed a complex structure with two main departments: technical and financial/commercial, each playing a crucial role in the illegal streaming business.

Despite the extensive operations and funding linked to projects in Iran, no direct connections to state-sponsored activities were established. The case underscores the ongoing battle against illegal streaming and the significant financial implications it has on legitimate sports broadcasting.