Italy: Major anti-piracy operation launched
Italian authorities have launched a major anti-piracy operation targeting illegal streaming of television content. Guardia di Finanza (Italy’s financial police) in Cagliari conducted seizures and searches in various regions after discovering a public venue illegally showing pay-per-view content using devices that access hundreds of multimedia programs (films, TV series, live sports). Through investigations, officials identified a complex network involving content providers, distribution channels, and servers. The criminal structure appears to operate transnationally, prompting collaboration with authorities in the U.S. and the Netherlands. The illegal streaming profits are also tied to tax evasion and money laundering. The operation is part of a broader push by Guardia di Finanza to protect copyright, support the legal audiovisual sector, and sanction both the criminal organizations and users of pirate services. Sky Italia’s CEO praised the effort, calling large-scale action vital to defend those who act legally.
