Saudi confiscates 8,000 bootlegging devices ahead of FIFA World Cup

Saudi authorities have continued to crack down on the sale and use of broadcasting devices used to bootleg sports channels, ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament later this month. More than 8,000 such devices have been confiscated from retailers in the Kingdom “in the last few weeks,” according to authorities, which have launched formal procedures against the offending distributors.

The confiscated devices were destroyed in the presence of representatives from the government agencies involved in the campaign. Authorities confiscated about 5,000 other devices in earlier operations, while intensive and periodic campaigns revealed new violations by outlets. Devices were seized and formal procedures were implemented against retailers.

The MENA Broadcast Satellite Anti-Piracy Coalition — which includes regional satellite operators, distribution companies and international studios such as Paramount and Sony Pictures — said in April that 22 pirate television channels had been shut down during the previous year.