US-led operations 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 used to illegally stream 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 information provided by various entities, including U.S. authorities, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), and several entertainment networks such as beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Bros.
These seizures fall under several joint law enforcement initiatives, primarily based on investigations conducted by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington. One such initiative, known as Operation Offsides, involved the seizure of over a thousand domains by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. This operation, led by the IPR Center in coordination with HSI Washington, included 14 partners across 54 countries, with nearly 400 web domains seized by the end of last month.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva stated that Operation Offsides is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to safeguard copyright and reduce risks to American consumers from malicious software often embedded in illicit streaming services. These services not only violate copyright laws but also expose viewers to potential threats like malware attacks and insecure connections that could compromise personal and financial data.
HSI Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf echoed these concerns, highlighting that criminals operating unauthorized platforms are already breaking the law by streaming copyrighted content and may 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.
International cooperation in combating piracy
In addition to Operation Offsides, law enforcement authorities, in coordination with the Justice Department’s International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property program, also conducted Operation Red Card. This operation resulted in the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites in countries including Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.
A second phase of Operation Red Card, launched on July 10 in Colombia, led to the arrest of four members of the Los Ciberinfiltrados cybercriminal group. These individuals are charged with illegally accessing telecommunications systems and selling pirated streaming content since at least 2024. HSI agents also collaborated with law enforcement agencies in Colombia to address counterfeit goods and illegal streaming of World Cup games. Furthermore, federal authorities worked with their European counterparts to combat illegal streaming of World Cup games.
Director Ivan J. Arvelo of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center emphasized that the unauthorized broadcast of World Cup matches infringes upon 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 who steal and distribute copyrighted content. He also affirmed that ongoing efforts aim to ensure the excitement of the World Cup reaches fans through legitimate, secure channels.
Broader efforts against online fraud
These recent actions follow a warning issued by the FBI 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 and fraud attempts 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 ring. These domains collectively generated over 950 million visits annually, with approximately 230 million visits originating from Mexico alone.
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Source: bleepingcomputer.com
