‘Dodgy firestick’ seller is caught after undercover cop joined Facebook group – as ringleader is jailed for two years
A “DODGY firestick” seller has been caught after an undercover cop joined a Facebook group he was selling on.
Sunny Kanda from Halifax unknowingly sold an illegally modified TV Firestick to an undercover investigator and has since been sentenced for two years.
The 41-year-old from Sunny Kanda, of Creek View, Wheatley, sold gadgets which provided unauthorised access to premium content.
Platforms available included Sky, BT Sport, Disney+ and Netflix.
He offered the devices to a Facebook group of more than 3,900 members.
However, this all came to an end when an undercover investigator joined the page.
After purchasing the Firestick, analysis on the device showed modifications that made premium content available.
Using applications called The Vodfather XC and Plex, users could watch a selection of film, television and live sports content without a subscription.
After suspicions were raised, an investigation by National Trading Standards, local government and intellectual property organisation Fact started investigating Kanda.
A court heard how Kanda pocketed £108,000 that should have been directed to legitimate providers in an 18-month period between 2020 and 2022.
Last year, Kanda pleaded guilty to three charges relating to fraud, copyright and concealing bank transfers linked to criminal activity.
He was subsequently sentenced on Friday at York Crown Court and jailed for two years.
A hearing set for May 7 will decide if financial orders should also be imposed.
Following Kanda’s sentencing, Kieron Sharp, CEO of Fact, told the BBC: “The outcome serves as both a consequence for those involved in these criminal activities, and as a strong warning to others considering similar action.
“Illegal streaming isn’t a victimless crime. It weakens the creative industries, puts consumers at risk of data theft and often funds other serious crimes.”
A spokesperson for National Trading Standards told Birmingham Mail: “Accessing pirated content through illegal TV Firesticks undermines the UK’s entertainment industry, putting its talented workforce and supply chains at risk by depriving them of fair earnings and revenue.
“It also puts consumers at risk by exposing them to illegal software that can put their data and bank details in jeopardy.
“Today’s sentence is an important reminder to all those who buy and sell TV Firesticks that crime does not pay – it breaches copyright law and we encourage people to report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service.”
Secret world of ‘dodgy firesticks’ exposed – with covert WhatsApp groups & £100 payments to mysterious ringleaders
By Jonathan Rose
MORE and more Brits are obtaining illegal TV Firesticks to watch premium content without paying a monthly subscription.
While legitimate devices allow instant access to a range of paid streaming apps, some are nabbing ones side-loaded with unofficial apps.
The Sun understands you need to know someone who has a dodgy firestick that can then give your number to an anonymous “admin”.
They then organise a payment so you can download apps, receive logins and then get access.
You’re also added to a “customer service” WhatsApp group where the admin troubleshoots problems and takes requests for films and TV shows.
Users pay £100 a year to access all the channels they can think of from around the world and in the UK.
It gives you unlimited access to Premier League football on Sky and TNT.
It also includes the latest movies and TV shows on Netflix, Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
But chartered security professional James Bore told The Sun it is possible the devices could be used against you.
He said: “In the same way as buying a second hand laptop, it’s possible the seller has put software on it which may track data, copy passwords, and similar.