Illegal Premier League streamers warned 'dodgy fire sticks' could mean fines or prison in crackdown Police are targeting millions of UK households using illegal streaming fire sticks, with those caught facing thousands of pounds in fines or even a prison sentence Sport Bradley Jolly Overnight News Editor and Steve Wollaston 07:19, 25 Apr 2026 Updated 07:19, 25 Apr 2026 View Image (Image: Getty Images) Brits relying on illegal fire sticks to watch telly have been put on notice – authorities will track them down through their bank records. Officials estimate roughly four million homes are accessing the latest programmes and watching live sport illegally via "dodgy fire sticks". These compact gadgets plug into TVs and can be modified to unlock hundreds of premium channels, streaming platforms, new films and live Premier League matches. However, police are bullish about targeting some of these households in their latest clampdown, which includes scrutinising bank transactions. Acting Detective Chief Inspector Alethea Fowler, from the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit in south Wales, explained: "Criminals rarely stop at just one income stream, and by purchasing illicit goods - such as an illegal streaming service fire stick - you are enabling further forms of criminality, often involving exploitation and harm." Last month, digital bank Revolut was compelled by the Irish High Court to surrender names and addresses of over 300 "dodgy box" customers to Sky, following payments made to unlawful streaming provider David Dunbar, based in County Wexford in the Republic of Ireland. Officers are reportedly compiling lists of users and their locations, according to the Daily Mail. They've cautioned that while the device itself is legitimate, it can be modified or duplicated by dodgy users or criminals flogging the gadgets on. Officials warn that individuals caught with such devices face hefty fines running into thousands of pounds or potential imprisonment. Operation Eider, a nationwide crackdown, may result in unannounced visits from officers armed with search warrants at residential addresses, reports the Mirror . Article continues below The initiative is orchestrated by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), an anti-piracy body backed by the film and video sectors, with police forces throughout the UK participating. Law enforcement now possesses enhanced powers to impose stricter penalties on those discovered using these unlawful gadgets. Kieron Sharp, chairman of FACT, stated: "We have a wide range of enforcement options - from issuing cease and desist notices to 'knock and talk' visits - through to full criminal prosecutions where appropriate. We will take robust action against those involved - not only targeting sellers and distributors, but also those facilitating and profiting from the illegal activity." TV watchers considering purchasing an illegal stick to cut costs may, paradoxically, end up substantially out of pocket - while facing custodial sentences. The harshest penalties will be handed down for "supplying and distributing TV fire sticks and concealing bank transfers linked to criminal activity".
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