"Illegal streaming isn't a victimless crime."
A fraudster has been jailed for two years for selling illegally modified TV Firesticks.
Sunny Kanda infringed copyright laws when he sold the devices, commonly known as “dodgy sticks”.
The 40-year-old from Halifax cheated legitimate providers out of more than £108,000 during an 18-month period between 2020 and 2022.
Kanda sold the illegal Firesticks on a closed Facebook group which had more than 3,900 members.
His customers were able to gain access to content normally only available on paid platforms such as Sky, BT Sport, Disney+ and Netflix.
Kanda was arrested after an investigation by National Trading Standards, local government and intellectual property organisation ‘FACT’.
An undercover investigator joined Kanda’s Facebook group and bought one of the Firesticks.
The investigator later discovered that the device had been modified to provide unauthorised access to premium film, television, and live sports content using applications called The Vodfather XC and Plex.
In August 2024, Kanda pleaded guilty to three charges relating to fraud, copyright and concealing bank transfers linked to criminal activity.
At York Crown Court on January 3, 2025, Kanda was jailed for two years.
There will be a hearing on May 7 to decide if financial orders will be imposed on him.
Following Kanda’s sentencing, Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, said:
“The outcome serves as both a consequence for those involved in these criminal activities and as a strong warning to others considering similar action.
“Illegal streaming isn’t a victimless crime.
“It weakens the creative industries, puts consumers at risk of data theft and often funds other serious crimes.”
A spokesperson for National Trading Standards said:
“Accessing pirated content through illegal TV Firesticks undermines the UK’s entertainment industry, putting its talented workforce and supply chains at risk by depriving them of fair earnings and revenue.
“It also puts consumers at risk by exposing them to illegal software that can put their data and bank details in jeopardy.”
“Today’s sentence is an important reminder to all those who buy and sell TV Firesticks that crime does not pay – it breaches copyright law and we encourage people to report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service.”
Kanda’s sentence comes after FACT and police forces across the UK increased efforts to disrupt and dismantle piracy operations in the lead-up to Christmas.
Loading ...