Dutch police have arrested three people suspected of involvement in selling pirated cable equipment for the Ziggo network. One of the suspects is thought to be a Ziggo employee. The gang cloned Ziggo software so the equipment could be used to access TV and internet services without paying subscription fees to Ziggo.

The three have been charged with computer hacking, participation in a criminal organisation, telecommunications services fraud and money-laundering. The police seized 500 modems and EUR 10,000 in cash during the raids. The gang is thought to have already sold around 500 models for at least EUR 150 each, mainly indirectly via acquaintances.

The police discovered the gang through a tip from Canada where a similar piracy scheme was uncovered. The Dutch police ordered modems themselves to investigate and to catch the sellers and installers. Ziggo has since deactivated the pirated devices.