Illegal Premier League streamer fined £1million and jailed after broadcasting matches

Steven King, from Coventry, was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison in March 2019 for illegally broadcasting live Premier League matches to more than 1,000 venues in the UK

Premier League bosses have successfully forced a criminal to pay £1million after he was implicated in an illegal streaming operation.

Steven King, from Coventry, was jailed for seven years and four months in March 2019 after being convicted of running Dreambox, which showed top-flight English matches in more than 1,000 pubs, homes and clubs across the UK.

Warwick Crown Court has now ruled that he must forfeit the proceeds of his criminal activities and pay back £963,000 to the public purse within three months or have his sentence extended by a further six years and eight months.

Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb said: “This result clearly demonstrates that providing illegal streams is a criminal offense which carries jail time and significant financial consequences.

“We are delighted that the courts have recognized the seriousness of piracy-related crimes and the Premier League has required that any monies recovered be returned to public authorities, including law enforcement, to help them continue the fantastic work that is being done they do to bring people like this to justice.

“The vast majority of our fans watch Premier League action through authorized sources, but those who don’t need to be aware that this is not just an illegal activity which can result in imprisonment, it is them also risk becoming a victim of hacking and fraud.

“We will continue to work with law enforcement to combat piracy of our content and educate fans about the dangers of watching Premier League games through unauthorized streams.”

It’s part of a major crackdown by the Premier League, determined to break the cycle of illegal streams that are costing the game millions in every TV deal. It was a joint case brought by investigators FACT and their CEO Kieron Sharp, saying: “This is a warning to anyone selling subscriptions or devices that allow access to content without rewarding the legitimate provider – you.” risk imprisonment and loss of your property. cars and other proceeds of crime.

“FACT will continue to work with the Premier League and other rights holders to take action against illegal streaming and hold those behind it accountable for their actions.”