Man sentenced for illegal TV streaming operation that made him thousands of pounds
A Merseyside man has been sentenced for operating an illegal IPTV business that generated more than £200,000 by selling unauthorized access to premium television, sports and film content. Craig Austin, 38, from Whiston, sold subscriptions through social media and messaging services, advertising them using IPTV and Firestick related names.
Investigators found hundreds of payments ranging from £40 to £80 across several accounts connected to Austin. Authorities estimate that between January 2020 and August 2025 he generated more than £200,000 from approximately 1,116 customers who purchased illegal streaming subscriptions.
As part of the investigation, Sky UK’s anti piracy team examined screenshots from the services and confirmed that customers were being provided unauthorized access to premium Sky programming. The available content included Sky Sports coverage of football, tennis and golf.
The financial impact on legitimate broadcasters was considerably greater than Austin’s own revenues. Sky estimated that the operation resulted in approximately £3.66 million in lost subscription revenue, while Warner Bros. Discovery, which operates TNT Sports, estimated losses exceeding £830,000.
Merseyside Police arrested Austin in August 2025 after executing a warrant at his home. Officers seized several items, including Fire TV Sticks capable of being used with unauthorized applications and subscriptions to access paid content illegally. During questioning, Austin admitted his involvement and said he had entered the business to earn additional money. He claimed that he stopped selling subscriptions in June 2025 after becoming concerned by reports of prosecutions involving other illegal IPTV operators.
The Crown Prosecution Service charged Austin with three counts of making or supplying an article for use in fraud and one count of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property. He pleaded guilty to all charges at Liverpool Magistrates Court on July 22, 2026.
On August 19, Liverpool Crown Court imposed a 32 month prison sentence, suspended for three years. Austin was also ordered to perform 150 hours of unpaid work and complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities. The CPS characterized the operation as straightforward fraud, emphasizing that illegal streaming causes financial harm not only to broadcasters but also to production companies, performers, crews and legitimate subscribers.
