A MAN who fled the UK after selling thousands of illegal IPTV boxes with access to premium Sky and BT channels has finally been jailed.
Michael Hornung, 40, from Hyde, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for running the scheme and pocketing an estimated £350,000.
The TV boxes he sold provided access to subscription services from Sky, BT, and Virgin Media, as well as thousands of on-demand films and pay-per-view content.
Hornung had previously been sentenced in June 2022, but the sentence was handed down in his absence as he had fled the UK to avoid imprisonment and had been living in Northern Cyprus to evade extradition to the UK, according to copyright protection group FACT.
FACT will be relentless in our pursuit of individuals who profit from illegal activities, regardless of where they seek refuge
Kieron Sharp
With assistance from Greater Manchester Police, FACT identified Hornung as the mastermind behind ‘NoHatsNoTrainers,’ trading on the online platform CS World, an operation he ran from 2014 to 2017.
“Hornung thought fleeing overseas would mean he would never have to face his crimes,” said Tom Dowdall, Deputy Director International from the National Crime Agency (NCA).
“However, the NCA’s international network regularly shares intelligence and works closely with overseas partners to apprehend those on the run.
“After liaison with law enforcement officers in Cyprus, Hornung has been returned to the UK to serve his sentence.”
An investigation was launched into Hornung more than ten years ago.
He is estimated to have sold around 2,700 of the dodgy boxes.
It’s believed the ruse resulted in broadcasters and rights holders losing around £2million in revenue.
Hornung’s conviction is the latest in a string of tougher action against illegal streaming.
Earlier this year, two men were convicted for running so-called ‘Titan Streams’ allowing people to access paywalled services for free.
Police have also cracked down on jailbroken Fire Sticks that let users watch premium channels on the cheap.
IPTV boxes are legal to use, but when they’ve been modified to stream premium subscription content without a proper license it becomes illegal.
“Hornung’s criminal business provided customers the means to access premium TV without compensating broadcasters or those with intellectual property rights,” said FACT CEO, Kieron Sharp.
“This conviction underscores our commitment to tackling fraud and piracy at all levels and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
“The extradition of Michael Hornung serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of the law.
“FACT will be relentless in our pursuit of individuals who profit from illegal activities, regardless of where they seek refuge.”
There are plenty of legal free TV streaming options around these days.
