A new police operation, codenamed Operation Eider, is set to target millions of UK households using illegal Amazon Fire TV Sticks. Authorities may use bank statements to trace users, in a nationwide crackdown led by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).
Police Warn of Criminal Links
Detective Chief Inspector Alethea Fowler, of the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit in southern Wales, warned that purchasing illicit streaming services funds further criminal activities, including exploitation and harm. FACT chairman Kieron Sharp emphasised that enforcement options range from cease and desist notices to criminal prosecutions.
Bank Cooperation and Public Reaction
Revolut, a major UK bank, was recently ordered by the Irish High Court to provide names and addresses of around 300 suspected users to Sky. The Daily Mail reports that police have gained new powers to identify homes using modified Fire Sticks.
Public reaction on social media has been mixed. One X user criticised the focus on streaming devices instead of street safety, while another questioned police resources being used for commercial protection. Others argued that streaming providers should pursue civil action rather than criminal enforcement.
Sharp stated: "We will take robust action against those involved – not only targeting sellers and distributors, but also those facilitating and profiting from the illegal activity."
