A vast coordinated operation between the authorities of 19 countries, Europol and Eurojust, led to the arrest of several members of the Sparks group, one of the biggest networks for pirating films and series. Active for several years, the group specialized in pirating films, series and shows not yet released and putting them online.
Their process was relatively simple and ingenious as the band members contacted legitimate distributors posing as DVD and Blu-Ray retailers. They affirmed not to have received such or such order and asked to receive a new one while ensuring that they would respect the embargo for the marketing of DVDs.
Tens of millions of dollars lost
After receiving the products, the group members would pirate the various DVD copyright protection measures with specialized software, then reproduce them and distribute them on the Internet on streaming sites or download platforms. Sparks Group would be the source of losses of tens of millions of dollars per year for rights holders.
About sixty servers were dismantled in North America, Asia and Europe during this international operation. Three individuals have been charged in the United States and two others have been arrested. Some face up to 20 years in prison for "conspiracy of electronic fraud".
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