U.S. Intensifies Crackdown, Seizing Nearly 400 Illegal FIFA World Cup Streaming Domains
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has escalated its efforts against illegal streaming of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, announcing the seizure of nearly 400 websites that were unlawfully broadcasting the tournament. This enforcement action, initiated just before the knockout stage of the tournament, targets sites accused of violating copyright laws by providing unauthorized live streams for profit.
According to the DOJ, these domain seizures were executed under U.S. copyright law as part of Operation Offsides, an international initiative aimed at disrupting digital piracy networks associated with the World Cup. The operation highlights the ongoing battle against online piracy, particularly during high-profile global events.
Operation Offsides: A Focus on International Networks
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the DOJ’s Criminal Division stated that the operation is intended to dismantle international networks that exploit the World Cup’s global appeal for financial gain. “We have seized hundreds of domains used to illegally stream World Cup matches for profit, to disrupt the international networks that profit from the global popularity of the World Cup,” Duva remarked. He emphasized that the Criminal Division will persist in its efforts to disrupt and prosecute those involved in such illegal activities.
The domain seizures are part of a broader initiative led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, which collaborates with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), private sector organizations, and international law enforcement agencies. This coordinated effort underscores the significance of international cooperation in combating online piracy.
Investigation Supported by FIFA and Industry Partners
An affidavit filed in the Eastern District of Virginia revealed that the seized websites were providing unauthorized real-time streams of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches as they were being officially broadcast. HSI special agents confirmed that these domains were actively streaming matches without the necessary permissions.
The identification of these domains was facilitated by FIFA, with additional support from industry partners such as beIN Media Group, NBC Universal, the Motion Picture Association’s Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Warner Brothers. FIFA holds exclusive rights to organize and stage the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place across various cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Copyright and Cybersecurity Risks Highlighted
Ivan J. Arvelo, Director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, pointed out that unauthorized broadcasts infringe on intellectual property rights and financially benefit criminal organizations. He stated that the operation aims to disrupt networks responsible for stealing and distributing copyrighted content while ensuring fans can access matches through legitimate channels.
Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge of the HSI Washington Field Office, warned that illegal streaming sites pose cybersecurity threats. Viewers using unauthorized platforms may encounter malware risks, insecure connections, and potential compromises of personal and financial information, in addition to the copyright violations committed by the operators of such sites.
International Enforcement Targets Online Piracy Networks
The domain seizure operation was coordinated with international partners through the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) Network. Authorities targeted servers and domains associated with online piracy in Peru and Bulgaria, identified as known centers of illegal streaming activity. Additional enforcement actions supported by ICHIP occurred in Croatia, Romania, Poland, and Colombia, following intelligence-sharing from U.S. authorities to identify domains involved in unauthorized World Cup broadcasts.
The DOJ emphasized that this operation illustrates the ongoing collaboration between domestic and international law enforcement agencies in the fight against cross-border piracy.
DOJ Continues Cybercrime and IP Enforcement
The DOJ noted that its Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) is actively involved in investigating and prosecuting cybercrime and intellectual property offenses in conjunction with both domestic and international partners. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercrime and intellectual property offenders, recovering more than $350 million in victim funds.
This latest enforcement action follows a similar HSI-led operation during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which resulted in the seizure of more than 70 websites involved in unauthorized streaming. The DOJ stated that Operation Offsides will continue to prioritize the identification and shutdown of websites facilitating illegal broadcasts while safeguarding intellectual property during the FIFA World Cup.
For further details, visit the original reporting source: thecyberexpress.com.
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