29 arrested as law enforcement strikes criminal networks behind illegal streaming
Europol announced the results of Operation KRATOS 2, a major international crackdown targeting criminal networks behind illegal IPTV and streaming services. Coordinated by Bulgaria with Europol’s support, the seven month operation ran from September 2025 to April 2026 and focused on the infrastructure enabling the illegal distribution of premium sports broadcasts, films, and television channels. Authorities arrested 29 suspects, dismantled nine organized crime groups, carried out 148 searches, identified 86 suspects, and removed more than 27,000 illegal streaming URLs. Investigators also referred 59 cases to judicial authorities and opened dozens of additional investigations. Europol said the operation targeted the broader criminal ecosystem behind piracy services, which often use complex international infrastructures to avoid detection. The agency also warned that illegal streaming platforms can expose users to malware, spyware, data theft, and other cybersecurity threats. The operation involved law enforcement agencies from Europe, the United States, and several anti piracy organizations and rights holders.
