Greek authorities have taken significant action against an IPTV piracy operation on the island of Santorini, leading to the arrest of a reseller and the referral of 68 end users for prosecution. This raid, conducted by the Cybercrime Prosecution Directorate, marks another step in Greece’s ongoing efforts to combat digital piracy. The operation was launched in the early hours of November 19 and targeted a network that sold illicit access to premium pay-TV services through IPTV subscriptions. The arrested reseller, a 48-year-old, appears to have been acting on behalf of a larger organization, managing sales and customer support via an online platform known as a ‘panel.’ Customers were reportedly charged 50 euros for a three-month subscription or 100 euros for six months, with support available both remotely and in person.
The impact of the raid was immediate and widespread, as hundreds of users on Santorini and beyond found themselves suddenly without access to the cheap TV streaming services they had relied on. Locals reported that few areas on the island were unaffected by the disruption, underscoring the deep dependence of the local population on illegal streams. The case highlights the growing legal efforts to address online piracy, which have been bolstered by recent legislative changes in Greece. These measures have already led to cases like that of a cafe owner in Sparta, who was targeted earlier this year for similar offenses and could face fines of up to 6,000 euros. Law enforcement reportedly apprehended the cafe owner at his workplace, with some locals suggesting that complaints about unfair competition may have preceded the operation. The broader implications of these actions include a potential shift in consumer behavior and increased costs for legitimate streaming services, as users seek alternative ways to access content.
As Greece continues to strengthen its legal framework against digital piracy, the cases against both resellers and end users signal a more aggressive approach to enforcement. Legal experts suggest that while such measures may deter some illegal activity, they could also lead to increased reliance on black-market services or a shift in the market for legal streaming options. The operation on Santorini represents a significant step in this direction, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting intellectual property and ensuring fair competition in the digital space.