A joint investigation by African pay-TV operators, security specialist Irdeto, the Egyptian Cybercrime Unit and the Egyptian Ministry of Interior has led to arrests and the shutdown of a major smartcard sharing piracy network. This marks a major breakthrough in the movement against content piracy. Members of the Egyptian Cybercrimes Unit and several other enforcement […]
A joint investigation by African pay-TV operators, security specialist Irdeto, the Egyptian Cybercrime Unit and the Egyptian Ministry of Interior has led to arrests and the shutdown of a major smartcard sharing piracy network. This marks a major breakthrough in the movement against content piracy.
Members of the Egyptian Cybercrimes Unit and several other enforcement agencies raided the Cairo premises of a pirate operation suspected of controlling and managing a major smartcard sharing network, operating throughout Africa. The raid uncovered several electronic components, a server, 40 smartcards, several pirate decoders, smartcard readers and other related equipment typically used within a pirate smartcard sharing operation. Cash of over $230,000 was also seized during the raid. All equipment confiscated during the raids will be analysed by the Egyptian Cybercrimes Unit and more arrests are forthcoming.
Commenting on the action, Rory O’Connor, VP of services at Irdeto, said: “As long as there are consumers who are prepared to pay for illegal content, pirates will continue to try to hack encryption systems and turn a profit. Irdeto remains dedicated to identifying and countering organised criminal enterprises who wish to circumvent our customers’ security measures and financially profit from pirated content. Together with the pay-TV operators and local authorities, we will relentlessly fight these illegal operations on the African continent, using technology and the law to its fullest extent.”
