A significant blow against digital piracy has been dealt by German authorities with the arrest of three individuals accused of operating a massive illegal streaming network. This network allegedly provided access to a major pay-TV operator's content for over 30,000 users globally, resulting in millions of euros in damages, according to the Bavarian Central Office for Cybercrime.
The operation, codenamed “Panel,” culminated on February 18, 2025, following an extensive two-year investigation by the Hof Criminal Police’s Cybercrime Division and the Bavarian Central Office for Cybercrime. The investigation commenced in June 2023 after a complaint was filed by the affected pay-TV operator.
The main suspect, a 36-year-old resident of the Wunsiedel district, is believed to have orchestrated the illegal distribution with assistance from accomplices. The takedown involved a coordinated effort by over 150 law enforcement officers across five German states (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, and Saarland), targeting 17 locations. The authorities seized approximately €16,000 in cash, €35,000 in cryptocurrencies, and more than 200 digital devices, in addition to deactivating several servers.
The three primary suspects, arrested under warrants issued by the Bamberg District Court, remain in custody. They are facing charges of commercial computer fraud, which carries potential prison sentences ranging from six months to ten years. Further investigations are ongoing into additional individuals who may have either resold access or personally used the illegal streaming services.