A federal jury in Las Vegas has convicted five men accused of operating one of the largest pirate IPTV services in the United States. Kristopher Dallmann, Douglas Courson, Felipe Garcia, Jared Jaurequi, and Peter Huber generated millions in revenue through their subscription service, Jetflicks, which reportedly offered more content than Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, and Amazon Prime. Four of the men face up to five years in prison, while Dallmann could face up to 48 years.
In 2019, eight men from Las Vegas were indicted by a grand jury for conspiring to violate criminal copyright law through Jetflicks and iStreamitAll. The indictment alleged the defendants reproduced tens of thousands of copyrighted TV shows without authorization, distributing the content to a vast audience of paid subscribers.
Jetflicks allegedly offered access to over 183,200 distinct TV show episodes, while iStreamitAll provided an even more extensive library, boasting over 118,479 TV shows and 10,980 movies, surpassing the content available on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime at the time.
Cracked IPTV: A Hazardous and Illegal Pursuit
Cracked IPTV services, such as Xui and Xtreme Code, are not only illegal but also a serious threat to your privacy and security. These platforms are riddled with malware and backdoors that enable cybercriminals and authorities to monitor your online behaviour. Legal consequences for using cracked IPTV can be severe, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment.
In contrast to legitimate IPTV services, cracked versions are plagued by instability, resulting in frequent buffering, poor video quality, and constant service interruptions. Additionally, these illegal platforms disregard essential security updates, leaving users exposed to cyber threats.
The allure of free content from cracked IPTV masks the detrimental impact on content creators and the broader entertainment industry. By circumventing legal channels, users contribute to the decline of legitimate businesses and stifle the production of high-quality content.
Furthermore, a substantial portion of individuals operating cracked IPTV services are involved in criminal activities. Their ability to swiftly launch new platforms when detected hinders law enforcement efforts and perpetuates the cycle of piracy.
To safeguard personal information and support the entertainment industry, consumers should prioritize legal and authorized IPTV services. By making informed choices, users can enjoy a secure and uninterrupted streaming experience while contributing to a thriving entertainment ecosystem.
Trial in Las Vegas for Five Men
While some defendants pleaded guilty in 2021, receiving sentences ranging from one year to 57 months in prison, five went to trial before a Las Vegas jury last month. During the trial, Kristopher Dallmann, the alleged leader of Jetflicks, sought a mistrial, arguing that the evidence presented was inadmissible and damaging to the defence. The court rejected his request, and all five men were found guilty by a federal jury this week.
Guilty Verdict for Jetflicks Operators
Dallmann, Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber were convicted of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. Dallmann was also convicted of two counts of money laundering by concealment and three counts of misdemeanour criminal copyright infringement.
“Their scheme generated millions in criminal profits while causing significant losses for copyright owners,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri. “These convictions highlight the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and prosecuting digital piracy.”
U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada noted that the defendants conspired to reproduce and distribute thousands of copyrighted TV programs for personal gain, stating, “This case demonstrates our dedication to combating intellectual property theft.”
Failed Aviation Entertainment Disguise
Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office recalled the unusual steps the defendants took when copyright complaints threatened their business. They attempted to disguise Jetflicks as an aviation entertainment company. Dallmann initially claimed Jetflicks MoVi Entertainment System converted customers’ DVD collections for in-air viewing but later admitted that downloading TV shows from pirate sites and streaming them for a fee had become the main business.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Courson, Garcia, Jaurequi, and Huber each face a maximum of five years in prison, while Dallmann could face up to 48 years, according to the Department of Justice.
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has not yet issued a press release on the convictions. However, MPA’s Senior Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel Karyn Temple later commented, “This verdict is a landmark victory for intellectual property rights. The Motion Picture Association applauds the Department of Justice for its successful prosecution of these individuals who illegally profited from copyrighted works. The jury’s conviction underscores the criminal nature of these offences and the significant harms caused to the creative industry.”
