In a significant legal move targeting illegal streaming, the names and addresses of 300 users of so-called “dodgy boxes” have been handed to Sky. This action was ordered by the High Court as part of Sky’s efforts to clamp down on unauthorized streaming services.
Mr Justice Brian Cregan granted a Norwich Pharmacal order requiring Revolut Bank to disclose details of 304 subscribers and 10 resellers who used Revolut accounts to make payments to illegal streaming operators. The order allows Sky to obtain crucial information to support further legal action.
This follows a civil case against David Dunbar, a resident of Wexford, who was found guilty last year of running an illegal streaming service. Dunbar received payments to his Revolut account and was ordered to pay Sky €480,000 (£415,000) in damages, plus €100,000 (£86,000) in legal costs. He was also fined €30,000 (£26,000) for contempt after breaching court orders related to data preservation.
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Sky’s investigation revealed 12 resellers and over 300 users transferring funds to Dunbar via Revolut, prompting the broadcaster to seek subscriber information from the bank. This detailed intelligence gathering is part of a broader strategy to dismantle illegal streaming networks.
Kieron Sharp, chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), described their approach as “intelligence led,” likening their team to a “mini police force.” FACT provides expert computer forensics to support police operations, often analyzing data in various native languages to uncover hidden information using sophisticated search algorithms.
This combined effort between broadcasters, law enforcement, and specialist agencies highlights the ongoing battle against piracy and illegal content distribution.