More than 1,000 domains illegally streaming World Cup games seized, DOJ says
The Department of Justice, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations, has seized over 1,000 domains illegally streaming the World Cup. This operation targets a cyber gang, Los Ciberinfiltrados, involved in distributing pirated content and injecting malware into devices accessing these illicit streams, highlighting a broader issue of cybercrime and intellectual property theft.
The Department of Justice announced on [Date - not in article] that it had seized over 1,000 domains used to illegally stream the FIFA World Cup. This action follows a multi-month investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. The initial effort, announced in June, resulted in the takedown of nearly 400 domains, with servers located in Bulgaria and Peru, known hubs for illegal streaming operations.
According to the DOJ, the operation is part of a larger effort to combat cybercrime and protect American consumers from the risks associated with accessing unauthorized streaming services. These services often contain malicious software designed to steal payment information and compromise devices. The DOJ noted that the operators behind these illicit streams are frequently involved in other criminal activities, including the use of fraudulent credentials and VPNs to bypass restrictions.
Authorities have identified a cyber gang, Los Ciberinfiltrados, as a key player in this operation. Members of the group have allegedly been involved in illegally accessing telecommunication systems and selling pirated streaming content since 2024. The DOJ emphasized that these operators frequently use tactics such as fraudulent credentials and VPNs to facilitate the illegal distribution of content.
Illegal streaming services, often utilizing Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), generate significant profits for criminal operators. The DOJ’s actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing these illicit activities and safeguarding consumers from potential harm.