Illegal content streaming syndicates involve much deeper criminal activities than you think

Illegal streaming funds transnational organized crime through money laundering, drug trafficking, cybercrime networks, and corrupt political alliances.

Earlier this year, the Singapore High Court had issued a court order to block 22 additional illegal streaming sites and 70 associated domains responsible for the distribution of illegally streamed content in the country.

This is another successful effort by intellectual property owners such as the Premier League, BBC Studios, Deutsche Fußball Liga and LALIGA, that in recent years has seen the blocking of hundreds of illegal streaming sites and hundreds more associated domains offering access to pirated live sports, drama and entertainment content.

According to Aaron Herps, Head of Content Protection (APAC), Premier League, in an interview with DigiconAsia.net, such efforts also send a clear signal: piracy is not a low-risk, victimless activity. It carries real consequences to large parts of global society…

DigiconAsia: Illegal streaming often focuses on major sports leagues and blockbuster movies. How does the Premier League address piracy affecting local content creators and smaller media enterprises in the Asia Pacific region? Are there specific strategies tailored to protect these stakeholders?

Aaron Herps (AH): While the Premier League’s primary focus is on protecting its own broadcast rights, our anti-piracy efforts have a much broader impact. Illegal streaming of Premier League matches often occurs alongside pirated films, local TV content and domestic sports — all accessed through shared infrastructure such as illicit streaming devices (ISDs) and apps. By disrupting these ecosystems, we contribute to the protection of the wider creative and media economy across the region. For example, in Singapore, our efforts to tackle the sale of ISDs have contributed to landmark criminal prosecutions of sellers operating out of Sim Lim Square. Our interventions, including legal action and cease-and-desist notices, have helped drive a substantial reduction in the availability of such devices in physical retail outlets.

Alongside enforcement, we also focus on education. Our Boot Out Piracy campaign — delivered in partnership with regional broadcasters — was launched five years ago, and raises awareness of the real risks of illegal streaming, including malware, scams and data theft. In doing so, we are protecting fans, reinforcing the value of licensed platforms, and supporting the long-term sustainability of media enterprises across APAC.

DigiconAsia: Given the diverse legal frameworks and enforcement capabilities across the region, what challenges does your team face in fostering regional cooperation against piracy? Could you provide examples of successful collaborations or areas needing improvement?

AH: One of the key challenges in addressing piracy across APAC countries is the diversity of legal frameworks, enforcement capacity and regulatory priorities. While some markets have well-established processes in place, such as court-ordered site blocking or precedent-setting civil actions, others face limitations regarding resources, jurisdictional coordination or outdated legislation.

Strong partnerships with broadcasters, regulators and law enforcement continue to drive progress. We have supported landmark civil and criminal actions in the region, and have seen the value of close collaboration in cases where high-profile raids have dismantled sophisticated piracy operations.

These investigations have not only disrupted illegal streaming networks involving tens of thousands of users, but have also uncovered links to wider criminality, including fraud, money laundering and corruption, demonstrating the scale and seriousness of the issue.

However, the enforcement environment remains complex. That is one of the reasons the Premier League established a permanent presence in the region when we opened our first international office in Singapore in 2019: to understand the evolving piracy landscape better, build relationships on the ground, and develop market-specific strategies in partnership with local stakeholders.

We aim to play a constructive role in shaping long-term solutions that benefit not just our own rights, but the broader creative ecosystem across the region.

DigiconAsia: With the rapid evolution of technology, how is your organization leveraging advancements such as AI to combat illegal streaming? For instance, Japan has initiated AI-driven projects to detect pirated content. Are you considering similar initiatives?

AH: Technology is central to our anti-piracy strategy, especially in live environments where rapid detection and takedown are crucial. We utilize various advanced tools, including AI and machine learning, to monitor, identify and respond to illegal streams in real time. Also:

• Our in-house team collaborates with external partners to scan thousands of social media and video-sharing platforms during matches. AI-powered content recognition quickly flags infringing streams and, in many cases, we can now block or remove them before users see them.
• We invest in intelligence-gathering and data-analysis tools that allow us to track and map piracy networks across the region, identify high-risk platforms, and understand how illicit services are evolving — whether through illicit streaming devices, social media distribution, or app-based systems.

As piracy methods continue to adapt, we are constantly reviewing new technologies to ensure we stay one step ahead. AI is already part of our operational response, and we expect its role to grow as we scale our efforts and improve the speed, precision and reach of our enforcement.

DigiconAsia: Recent operations, like the shutdown of Fmovies in Vietnam, highlight significant enforcement efforts. How do such actions influence the broader anti-piracy landscape in the region, and what role does the Premier League play in coordinating or supporting these initiatives?

AH: Criminal enforcement is vital in deterring piracy and increasing the cost of infringement for offenders. High-profile actions, such as the conviction of the BestBuy IPTV operator in Vietnam (the country’s first-ever criminal sentence for online copyright infringement) represent a turning point for prosecuting such offences. We played a direct role in this case, collaborating with authorities and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment to provide evidence and support prosecution.

Likewise, in Thailand, our work with the Department of Special Investigation had resulted in a major 2024 raid on an illegal streaming operation disguised as a car wash: a network with over 30,000 users and estimated damages of around US$90m. The investigation had also revealed links to broader criminal activities, including fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Arrest warrants were issued for key suspects, including businessmen, a politician, and a police officer. This case highlights how piracy is rarely a standalone offence — it is often deeply embedded in organized crime. We had supported the investigations with technical analysis and intelligence-sharing, and these actions demonstrate the value of coordinated cross-border enforcement. Such efforts also send a clear signal: piracy is not a low-risk, victimless activity: it carries real consequences, not just for rights holders but for the rule of law more broadly.

DigiconAsia thanks Aaron Herps for sharing his professional insights with readers.