Friend MTS, Europol Operation Dismantles Nine Illegal Streaming Crime Groups
Friend MTS contributed intelligence to Europol's Operation KRATOS 2, leading to 29 arrests, the dismantling of nine organized crime groups, and the removal of over 27,000 illegal streaming URLs. This highlights the role of private sector partners like Friend MTS in combating illegal IPTV and streaming services. The operation, running between September 2025 and April 2026, targeted the criminal infrastructure behind unauthorized content distribution.
Key Takeaways
- Operation KRATOS 2, running for seven months, focused on criminal infrastructure enabling illegal IPTV and streaming platforms.
- Friend MTS contributed intelligence that led to 29 arrests, 86 suspects identified, and 9 organized crime groups dismantled.
- Authorities removed 27,332 illegal streaming URLs and identified 722,961 infringing objects.
- The operation involved law enforcement from 13 countries and cooperation with private sector partners like AAPA, ACE/MPA, LaLiga, UEFA, beIN, and Irdeto.
Why It Matters
This operation underscores the increasing sophistication of anti-piracy efforts, moving beyond individual website takedowns to target the criminal enterprises funding illegal streaming. The collaboration between Europol and private intelligence providers like Friend MTS highlights how content owners are intensifying efforts against illicit distribution networks. For legitimate streaming services, this action reduces market friction from unauthorized competitors. The industry should monitor future cross-border law enforcement actions and how private intelligence integrations continue to evolve.
Read full article at friendmts.com