Greek authorities have dismantled an alleged organized criminal group involved in the illegal distribution of subscription television services, arresting seven people and identifying dozens of others allegedly linked to the operation.
According to the Hellenic Police (ELAS), the group operated a large-scale IPTV piracy network that provided unauthorized access to protected audiovisual content through an illegal online infrastructure.
The investigation found that the network had more than 86,000 customers, while the financial benefit gained from the activity was estimated at least €7 million. The losses suffered by legal subscription providers were estimated to exceed €50 million.
Nationwide Operation and Arrests
The operation was carried out by the Organized Crime Division of the Hellenic Police, with coordinated searches conducted in areas including Heraklion in Crete, Attica, Agrinio, Corfu and Samos.
Seven Greek nationals — six men and one woman aged between 31 and 73 — were arrested, while the case file also includes additional alleged accomplices and users of the illegal service.
The charges include participation in a criminal organization, repeated and professional violations of intellectual property laws, illegal provision of subscription services, and money laundering-related offences.
Years-Long IPTV Piracy Operation
Investigators said the group had been active since at least 2017, developing a sophisticated system for illegally retransmitting subscription television content online.
The network allegedly obtained protected audiovisual material from legitimate television platforms and streaming providers, then used specialized equipment, software and decoding systems to redistribute it to customers at prices significantly lower than legal subscriptions.
The service reportedly offered access to thousands of television channels, sports events, films, series and other digital content.
Authorities said the group operated with a structure resembling a professional business, with members assigned different roles, including technical management, content updates, subscriber administration and customer support.
The organization allegedly relied on servers located in Greece and abroad, VPN services, domain changes and other technical methods to avoid detection and bypass blocking measures used by legal providers and authorities.
Equipment and Assets Seized
During searches of homes linked to the investigation, police seized specialized IPTV programming equipment, satellite devices, management systems installed on laptops and mobile phones, server-related records and multiple devices intended for sale to customers.
Authorities also seized:
- customer lists and handwritten records
- more than €18,885 in cash
- four vehicles and a motorcycle
- additional technical equipment used in the operation
- a small quantity of cannabis and a precision scale
Police also said the group had spent more than €280,000 on technical infrastructure to maintain the continuous operation of the illegal service.
Investigation Continues
Authorities said the organization had developed mechanisms to manage and hide revenues from the illegal activity, using bank accounts, electronic payment services, digital wallets and other payment methods.
Seven orders were issued to freeze assets and restrict the disposal of property belonging to the arrested individuals.
The seized digital evidence will be examined by forensic authorities, while the investigation continues to determine the full extent of the alleged criminal activity. The arrested individuals are expected to appear before prosecutors.
