by Thinus Ferreira
Another alleged pirate involved with the illegal streaming service Waka TV was arrested on Friday as part of a nationwide crackdown on internet streaming piracy in South Africa by the police and MultiChoice's anti-piracy department.
The person arrested on Friday in connection with the broader Waka TV piracy network, allegedly provided an illegal internet streaming device giving unauthorised access to SuperSport content.
In June MultiChoice and the police did a sting of the illegal Waka TV piracy network that the pay-TV operator said led "to the arrest "of a key suspect involved in one of the most extensive pirate operations in Africa".
Friday's suspect was arrested in Germiston on charges of theft, fraud, money laundering, and violations of South Africa's Cyber Crime Act 19 of
2021.
MultiChoice says the suspect has been identified as an alleged reseller connected to Waka TV, "one of
the most notorious piracy rings currently operating across Africa".
"During the
operation, the authorities seized various items, including an alleged illicit
streaming device, banners advertising unauthorised sales of DStv Premium
content, and a mobile phone containing the contact details of several
individuals who allegedly paid for the illegal service."
The police also uncovered detailed financial records linking the suspect to another
high-profile target. Investigators have now broadened the scope of the
investigation, with authorities expecting further arrests related to this
network."
The suspect has appeared in court with a bail hearing set for 16 September.
Frikkie Jonker, the director of broadcasting cybersecurity and anti-piracy at the MultiChoice-owned Irdeto, says more raids on resellers and outlets linked to Waka
TV are imminent "as law enforcement intensifies efforts to dismantle the
sprawling piracy operation".
"Friday's
arrest marks another significant step in our ongoing battle against digital
piracy in South Africa. We are actively tracking additional targets connected
to Waka TV, and the message is clear: Those participating in this illegal
network will be brought to justice," Jonker said.
