**Italy Police Busts Illegal TV Streaming Hubs Ahead of 2026 World Cup**
In a significant operation aimed at combating digital piracy, Italy’s finance police announced on Friday the dismantling of three illegal broadband TV distribution hubs located in Crotone, a city in the southern Calabria region. The operation led to the identification of four suspects and the seizure of assets valued at approximately €650,000 (around $751,900).
This crackdown comes as part of broader efforts to address the rising issue of digital piracy, particularly in light of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Although the tournament officially opened on Thursday, Italy's national football team will not be participating, having failed to qualify.
The illegal network was reportedly involved in the sale of pirated subscriptions that provided access to a variety of paid content from popular streaming platforms, including Sky, DAZN, Netflix, and Disney+. Subscriptions were offered at prices ranging from €10 to €40, with included customer service support, making them an attractive option for users seeking cheaper alternatives to legitimate services.
Investigators revealed that they identified at least 2,769 users who had subscribed to these illegal services. Authorities noted that the proceeds from these operations were often reinvested into the legal economy and cryptocurrencies, a tactic used to obscure the origin of the funds.
The four suspects, all identified as Italian nationals, have been reported for copyright violations and self-laundering, which involves concealing the illicit origins of money obtained through illegal activities. In addition to the suspects, users of the illegal streaming services may face administrative fines ranging from €154 to €5,000, as outlined by the police.
This operation underscores the Italian government's commitment to tackling digital piracy, especially as major sporting events like the World Cup draw increased attention to the issue. Authorities are likely to continue their efforts to combat illegal streaming as the tournament progresses, aiming to protect both the rights of content creators and the integrity of the broadcasting industry.