Spain’s Ministry of the Interior has announced the arrest of eight individuals involved in a €5.3 million pirate IPTV network catering to local expatriates. Though the service hasn’t been officially named, speculation points towards TVMucho. The Dutch owner, who has consistently claimed the legality of his service, remains unapologetic. Despite the police action, parts of the network continue to stream.
Investigation and Arrests
According to a press release from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, the investigation began in November 2022 following a complaint by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE). The inquiry focused on identifying the individuals behind two websites promoting the service. A detailed analysis of computer and banking records, along with several police investigation techniques, led authorities to a Dutch national managing the operation through multiple companies.
“This man allegedly led a business and criminal network, made up of citizens living mainly in Gran Canaria, which appeared to be a legitimate business structure with which he managed to earn more than 5,300,000 euros,” the statement reveals.
Operation Details
Described as an “international criminal organization,” the network used cutting-edge technology to intercept, decrypt, and distribute satellite signals from various countries. The illicit content included over 130 international television channels and thousands of movies and TV series, which were made available to a global audience.
The investigation revealed the provider may have used a modified version of NXT-DASH software for their streaming services. NXT-DASH contained vulnerabilities left in their source code from Xtreme Code, allowing law enforcement to collect crucial evidence for upcoming legal proceedings.
The Ministry reports that the service had more than 14,000 subscribers, each paying between 10 and 19 euros per month, resulting in substantial financial losses for the rights holders of the distributed content.
Raids and Seizures
Eight key members of the network were apprehended in coordinated raids across Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Madrid, Oviedo, and Málaga. Authorities conducted searches at two residences, seizing a vehicle and two computers, and freezing bank accounts holding 80,000 euros.
“Additionally, the servers of the online platforms under investigation were seized and blocked. Sixteen websites controlled by this criminal organization were also shut down, redirecting users to a National Police website with a message informing them of the interception,” the Ministry concludes.
The Service in Question: TVMucho, Now Teeveeing
Footage provided by the Ministry of the Interior confirms the targeted service was TVMucho, which recently rebranded as Teeveeing. TVMucho was launched around 2015 and initially incorporated in London as TVMucho Ltd in early 2016. It operated for 18 months before shutting down, later reemerging as TVMucho Sociedad Limitada in Spain, registered in Las Palmas.
TVMucho aimed to provide expatriates with access to free-to-air channels from their home countries, streaming these channels over the internet for viewing in Spain. Despite its legitimate-seeming premise, recent events indicate a darker side to its operations.
