Italy dismantles €10m piracy network
September 29, 2025
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
Italian authorities have dismantled a vast criminal network responsible for illicitly distributing pay-TV content and arresting eight individuals described as the “leaders of the illegal Italian streaming market”.
The operation uncovered an enterprise with over 900,000 users, estimated profits of €10 million, and damages to the audiovisual industry exceeding €30 million per month.
The investigation, a follow-up to the 2022 ‘Gotha’ cybercrime initiative, revealed an organised criminal association with key figures located both in Italy (including Catania, Rome, Syracuse, and Brescia) and abroad. This network specialised in the unauthorised distribution of copyrighted live and on-demand content from major platforms such as Sky, DAZN, Mediaset, Prime Video and Netflix. Authorities estimate the ring controlled approximately 70 per cent of Italy’s illegal streaming activity.
Those arrested face serious charges, including criminal association, unauthorised computer access, and computer fraud. They were allegedly at the top of this illicit market, managing every aspect from setting subscription costs and service suspensions to coordinating device distribution and overseeing a vast network of resellers.
The criminal enterprise employed advanced methods to conduct its illicit activities, utilising a complex technical infrastructure with foreign servers, encrypted messaging for communications, and fictitious identities and false documents to register accounts and services.
Pay-TV platforms such as Sky and DAZN have praised the successful operation, underscoring its significant impact on combating piracy.
Andrea Duilio, CEO of Sky Italia, commented: “This new operation led by the Catania District Prosecutor’s Office and the State Police marks another serious blow against piracy and the criminal networks behind it. It’s proof of the effectiveness of new investigative tools and the ongoing commitment to fighting this serious phenomenon. The frequency and success of law enforcement actions represent a decisive step forward in upholding legality and protecting thousands of jobs”.
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