Five arrested in illegal TV streaming operation

FIVE PEOPLE were remanded in custody for seven days by the Larnaca District Court yesterday in connection with charges of intellectual property theft using electronic devices.

Armed with a search warrant, police raided a home in Oroklini on Thursday at around 11am, where they found eight satellites positioned outside the building and five Israelis inside allegedly working on computers.

Police believe the five are involved in the illegal streaming and transmission of various subscription satellite channels to other people who own a Dreambox, as well as providing electronic gambling services.

Larnaca police spokesman Christos Andreou, said Larnaca CID and the police headquarters’ Office against Theft of Intellectual Property, acting on information received, entered the house with a search warrant where they found five foreigners using computers.

“When the police presence was noted, two people tried to impede the investigation, resulting in their arrest. A large number of items were taken as evidence, including decoders, documents and computers, which will be examined,” said Andreou.

“It is believed these people are involved in the illegal streaming and transmitting of various subscription satellite channels to other people, as well as offering electronic gambling services,” he added.

According to the police spokesman, the five denied any involvement in the offences they are being investigated for and gave reasons for their presence at the house, which police will look into.

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