IPTV and illegal streaming: What users now face – and how to react correctly
Following Europe-wide raids, investigators are for the first time specifically targeting users of illegal IPTV services. Anyone who has streamed Sky, DAZN & Co. via dubious cheap subscriptions should be aware of the current situation – and know what to do if necessary.
state of affairs
Law enforcement efforts have noticeably intensified. During "Operation Kratos 2" (September 2025 to April 2026), coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, 29 people were arrested across Europe, 148 properties were searched, and over 27,000 internet addresses were shut down. This followed a previous operation. Network with 102 suspects was broken up, which had distributed content from Sky, DAZN, Netflix and Prime to around 22 million users.
Crucially for users: During server seizures, investigators secure email addresses, login and payment data, as well as usage logs. According to press reports, specialized cybercrime units from several public prosecutor's offices are now evaluating data sets. over 1,000 German users This means that for the first time there is a realistic risk that not only providers, but also end customers will receive mail from the public prosecutor's office or a cease and desist letter from the rights holders.
Legal assessment
Criminal law. Anyone who accesses paid streams from an obviously illegal source can be prosecuted under Section 106 of the German Copyright Act (UrhG) (imprisonment of up to three years or a fine). The reason: Streaming creates technical intermediate copies. The European Court of Justice ruled in the "Filmspeler" case (C-527/15) that these copies are no longer covered by the private copying exception if the source is obviously illegal. In practice, however, for mere users, it usually ends with a fine or the case being dropped. Operators and resellers face significantly harsher penalties: they are considered to be acting commercially (Section 108a UrhG, imprisonment of up to five years). However, the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled on June 12, 2025, that card sharing does not constitute computer fraud (Section 263a of the German Criminal Code).
Civil law. Regardless of criminal proceedings, rights holders such as Sky or DAZN can take civil action: with a cease-and-desist letter including a declaration of discontinuance (§ 97a German Copyright Act), with damages based on the so-called license analogy and reimbursement of legal fees (§ 97 German Copyright Act), as well as with requests for information (§ 101 German Copyright Act). For users, this can quickly result in costs of several hundred to over 1,000 euros.
Instructions: How to react correctly
- Stay calm, but take deadlines seriously. Note down every deadline. With a penalty order, you only have two weeks to file an objection.
- Do not make any statements regarding the matter. As a suspect, you have the right to remain silent. Do not fill out any questionnaire and do not appear for police questioning without legal counsel – you are not obligated to do so.
- Don't sign anything, don't pay anything hastily. A pre-formulated cease-and-desist declaration is often too broad, and a quick payment can be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Don't "clean up" evidence. Deleting data or disposing of devices can have adverse effects.
- Consult a lawyer. Only through a lawyer can you gain access to the files and a reliable assessment of your specific case.
How we help
We investigate the allegations, review the case files, handle all communication with the public prosecutor's office and rights holders, and defend your interests – from filing a motion to dismiss the case to defending against excessive cease-and-desist letters and claims for damages. Important: Do not discuss the matter with anyone beforehand and do not make any statements before we have reviewed your case.
Summary
- Following the raids in 2025/26, authorities are evaluating data on over 1,000 German IPTV users From now on – a letter from the public prosecutor's office or a warning is a real possibility.
- Criminal law Users face the threat of § 106 UrhG (in practice usually a fine), civil law Warning, damages and reimbursement of costs.
- React correctly: Make no statements, sign or pay anything, adhere to deadlines and seek legal advice immediately.
This article provides a general overview at the time of publication and does not replace legal advice in individual cases. Have you received any mail? Contact us – We will review your case confidentially.