By Bilal Ahmed
US authorities target illegal streaming
The U.S. Justice Department has announced the seizure of more than 1,000 websites and the blocking of 1,970 domains that were allegedly used for unauthorized streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. These actions are part of a broader effort to combat intellectual property infringement and protect consumers from potential online threats associated with illicit streaming services.
Law enforcement authorities identified these domains through collaborative efforts, utilizing leads provided by U.S. authorities, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), and various entertainment networks. These networks include beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Bros.
These seizures are components of joint law enforcement operations stemming from investigations conducted by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington. The Justice Department’s Criminal Division led these efforts as part of Operation Offsides.
Operation Offsides is a joint law enforcement initiative spearheaded by the IPR Center in coordination with HSI Washington. This operation involved 14 partners across 54 countries, leading to the seizure of nearly 400 web domains by the end of last month.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated that Operation Offsides is part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding copyright and mitigating risks to American consumers from malicious software often embedded in illicit streaming services. These services not only infringe upon copyright laws but also expose viewers to potential threats, including malware attacks and insecure connections that could compromise personal and financial data, according to HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf.
International cooperation and additional operations
In addition to Operation Offsides, law enforcement authorities, in coordination with the Justice Department’s International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property program, also executed Operation Red Card. This operation resulted in the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites in several countries, including Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.
A phase of Operation Red Card conducted in Colombia led to the arrest of four individuals charged with illegally accessing telecommunications systems and selling pirated streaming content. The IPR Center director, Ivan J. Arvelo, emphasized that the unauthorized broadcast of World Cup matches violates intellectual property rights and supports criminal organizations. He noted that through Operation Offsides and strong partnerships, hundreds of domains were identified and seized, disrupting those involved in stealing and distributing copyrighted content.
HSI Deputy Executive Associate Director Matthew Millhollin highlighted the risks associated with streaming content from illicit websites, stating that criminals operating these unauthorized platforms are already willing to break the law by streaming copyrighted World Cup games, and they might also be planning to inject malware or steal payment information. He advised viewers to protect their online presence and enjoy the finals with official streaming partners.
The FBI had previously issued a warning in May regarding fake websites impersonating FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup. These fraudulent sites were reportedly selling fake tickets and hospitality packages, stealing personal and financial information, and promoting other scams related to the event.
In June, authorities in Mexico also took action, shutting down 44 domains linked to the illegal PirloTV streaming platform and a significant sports piracy network. These domains collectively generated over 950 million visits annually, with approximately 230 million visits originating from Mexico alone.
The U.S. also collaborated with Colombian authorities to address counterfeit goods, alongside the illegal streaming of World Cup games. Agents from HSI worked with law enforcement agencies in Colombia, and federal authorities also cooperated with their European counterparts to combat illegal streaming of World Cup games.
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington field office led Operation Offsides, which involved three separate actions during the month-long World Cup, primarily held in the United States. The U.S. Justice Department announced these seizures on July 20.
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Source: bleepingcomputer.com
