Two Vietnamese men accused of running the infamous FMovies piracy network have confessed to their roles in a years-long operation that reportedly generated substantial illicit profits. Authorities have confirmed the prosecution of Phan Thanh Cong and Nguyen Tuan Anh, both 34, marking the collapse of one of the largest piracy empires on record.

The FMovies Empire and Its Downfall

For years, FMovies and its affiliated platforms were the go-to piracy hubs, offering thousands of pirated movies to a massive global audience. The operation began to falter in mid-2024 when new content updates ceased in June. By mid-July, the network vanished without any explanation, raising speculation among users and industry observers.

The truth surfaced in late August when the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) announced their role in dismantling the operation. In collaboration with Hanoi Police, the groups targeted FMovies along with related sites, including AniWave, Bflixz, Flixtorz, Movies7, and Myflixer. Combined, these platforms amassed more than 6.7 billion visits from January 2023 to June 2024.

Calling the shutdown a victory for the global creative industry, Charles Rivkin, CEO of the MPA and Chairman of ACE, emphasized the operation’s significance in protecting the livelihoods of those in the entertainment sector.

The Investigation and Arrests

Vietnamese authorities initially remained silent on their involvement, but recent statements from the Hanoi City Police have shed light on the investigation and arrests.

Responding to allegations from Hollywood studios, the Economic Police Department, working with other branches of Hanoi Police, gathered evidence to identify key figures behind FMovies. After obtaining operational records and documents, two individuals were arrested:

1. Phan Thanh Cong
   • Residence: Mo Lao ward, Ha Dong district, Hanoi
   • Role: The alleged mastermind behind FMovies, responsible for its creation, management, and daily operations. Authorities say he oversaw the distribution of nearly 50,000 pirated films.
   • History: Cong had previously faced administrative penalties for similar behaviour, although specifics were not disclosed.

1. Nguyen Tuan Anh
   • Residence: Mo Lao ward, Ha Dong district, Hanoi
   • Role: Served as an accomplice, reportedly uploading over 50,000 pirated movies to FMovies and its affiliated sites.

The Scope of the Operation

Authorities allege that the FMovies operation, which began in 2016, generated “hundreds of thousands of US dollars” in profits before its shutdown in 2024. During questioning, both suspects admitted their involvement, paving the way for a prosecution under Clause 2, Section 225 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, which addresses copyright infringement on a commercial scale.

Legal Consequences for the Operators

Vietnamese law imposes significant penalties for large-scale copyright infringement. Fines range from VND 50,000,000 (around $2,000) to VND 1,000,000,000 (nearly $395,000), with prison terms of six months to three years, depending on the severity and circumstances of the offence.

The substantial profits earned by FMovies suggest that harsher penalties may apply. However, authorities have sometimes opted for administrative measures in similar cases, leaving the final outcome uncertain.

International Cooperation Against Piracy

The dismantling of FMovies underscores Vietnam’s growing role in global anti-piracy initiatives. A letter of appreciation from U.S. authorities, briefly shown in a police video, highlights the importance of this case to Hollywood studios and their partners.

The shutdown represents a key victory for the MPA, ACE, and law enforcement, who continue to work together to combat online piracy. As one of the most prolific piracy networks, FMovies’ closure sends a strong message to operators of similar illegal platforms.

While details of the prosecution and sentencing remain pending, the confessions of the accused mark a significant step in the fight against global copyright infringement. The fall of FMovies is a reminder of the risks involved in operating piracy sites and the determination of international coalitions to hold violators accountable.