The world’s largest infringing streaming app has ceased all operations after a major investigation and criminal referral by the Premier League and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) resulted in law enforcement action by Spanish police and Europol.
Mobdro illegally made available a large catalogue of live TV and video content from around the world, including sports, for use on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and illicit streaming devices.
The app also included dedicated sports, gaming, music, podcasts and adult channels, as well as several custom VOD channels airing TV series and movies in a 24/7 format.
Premier League Director of Legal Services Kevin Plumb said, “Mobdro’s criminal enterprise amounted to long-running and large-scale theft. These raids show we and our colleagues at ACE are committed to taking action against piracy, regardless of location.”
“The protection of our copyright is hugely important to the Premier League and our broadcast partners, as well as the future health of English football.”
Fight against piracy
The Premier League has one of the most comprehensive anti-piracy programmes in the world.
It continues to fight against piracy of its content, working with broadcast partners and authorities to bring down illegal streams and investigate and prosecute suppliers of illegal streaming devices.
Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, said: “We are proud of our cooperation with the Premier League in this investigation and we send our congratulations to the Spanish National Police Cybercrime Central Unit and Europol.”
“Such partnerships between content creators and local authorities are essential in protecting our members’ interests around the world.”