Kenya Copyright Board and Irdeto team up to take down major internet streaming piracy operation in Kenya

Partners Against Piracy (PAP) Association of Kenya, a multi-stakeholder coalition of like-minded organizations within the creative industry keen to eliminate piracy, and the threat it poses to livelihoods, society and personal security, has lauded the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) for a successful sting operation against a major streaming company operating in Kenya.

KECOBO, in collaboration with Irdeto and the Kenyan Police, has announced a significant victory in the battle against internet streaming piracy in Kenya, after busting a major illegal operation, responsible for selling unauthorized access to premium streaming content, which was successfully dismantled last Sunday in Kaplombe Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

According to KECOBO and Irdeto, the suspects, led by the alleged mastermind Engineer Kelvin Kiplangat Sing’oei, were arrested during the raid, which was conducted with the utmost professionalism by the Kenyan Police’s Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) – a Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).  A large amount of equipment, including computers, phones and bank cards, were seized and will be forwarded to the CID Cyber Crime Unit for further analysis.

Irdeto (https://irdeto.com/), a world leader in digital platform security, played an instrumental role in providing crucial intelligence and assistance that led to this successful enforcement action.

“Where producing African content for African audiences stops being profitable or worthwhile, production stops.  So, the creative industries of Kenya and Africa will be the biggest losers,” said Mike Strano, Chair of PAP.  “Also, if piracy succeeds, consumers will be reduced to making do with poor quality entertainment, old content and content that does not fulfil the needs of their community or their culture.”

According to PAP, content piracy globally is at an all-time high.  High quality content and advanced streaming technology has become more easily available and easier for pirates to illegally acquire and redistribute content for illicit profits; which are documented to also fund other crimes, including identity theft and trafficking.

“Internet streaming piracy is not only a criminal offence, but also poses serious risks to consumers who may have their personal data, including banking information, compromised by pirate operations”, Strano continued.  “PAP Kenya would like to emphasise that engaging in internet streaming piracy is illegal, and like-minded stakeholders will continue to fight against this form of theft, leaving no stone unturned.”

PAP would like to express its gratitude to KECOBO, Irdeto and the Kenyan Police for their continued support in addressing all broadcasting piracy and internet sharing piracy-related matters in Kenya. “Their professionalism and assistance have been invaluable in our ongoing efforts to combat illegal streaming activities”, said Strano.

At the same time, PAP urged consumers to be cautious and vigilant when accessing online content and to only use legitimate sources, as engaging with illegal streaming services can expose consumers to the risk of having their personal data and devices utilised illegally, and even ransomed, by pirate operations.

Partners Against Piracy remains committed to the fight against internet streaming piracy and will continue to work closely with Irdeto, law enforcement agencies and industry partners, to protect the interests of our consumers and the creative industry.