A strong statement has been issued

As first reported by the Manchester Evening News, servers and 'associated equipment' were seized in raids carried out in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

Three of the four people arrested were said to have been from the Bolton area, while the fourth was from Blackpool, also in northern England.

Per the MEN's report, the four individuals were held on "suspicion of conspiracy to distribute articles infringing copyright and conspiracy to acquire criminal property - money laundering."

They have all since been released 'under investigation' as the enquiry into the alleged streaming network continues.

The investigation reportedly came about after broadcast giants Sky reported "suspicious activity linked to a large scale illicit streaming service."

Police responsible for the investigation have issued a statement following on from their successful operation in Greater Manchester.

It reads: "Investigators identified the individuals believed to be operating an illegal IPTV [Internet Protocol Television] service that supplied millions of consumers across the UK. One suspect is alleged to have generated more than £3m in revenue from the operation.

"During the operation, officers shut down the servers on site. Sky confirmed that widespread disruption affected their illegal streaming output across the UK. The impact demonstrates the tangible effect of coordinated enforcement on protecting consumers and the creative industries.

"This operation is a clear example of effective collaboration between industry and law enforcement to disrupt organised financial crime. The scale and sophistication of the infrastructure uncovered, highlights the ongoing need for vigilance as the television industry celebrate another century of innovation."

Detective Constable Jordan Day added: "Criminals continue to provide illegal IPTV streaming services to consumers. These services are not harmless alternatives; they are examples of organised criminal operations generating millions in illegal profits.

"It is more important than ever that our team works to protect the integrity of broadcasting and the millions of people who rely on it. This operation demonstrates the impact we can have when we work closely with partners like Sky to dismantle these illegal networks, sending a clear message to those who profit from piracy that they will be held to account."