In a sweeping operation across five Croatian counties, USKOK and the police have arrested 11 individuals involved in a large-scale piracy network. The suspects are accused of offenses related to intellectual property theft and unauthorized use of computer systems, with damages estimated to be in the millions.

According to Dnevnik Nova TV, the arrested individuals were allegedly selling illegal online TV packages offering around 400 channels for just 15 euros each. The illegal streaming service was powered by NXT, a widely recognized software known within piracy circles for distributing stolen content.

Operation Details

The investigation, coordinated by the Cybersecurity Service of the Criminal Police Directorate and the Split-Dalmatia Police Directorate under USKOK’s guidance, saw simultaneous raids and arrests across multiple counties, including Split-Dalmatia, Zagreb, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Požega-Slavonia, and Istria.

In a statement, USKOK explained the scale of the operation:

“The arrests and urgent evidentiary actions stem from an extensive criminal investigation into individuals suspected of committing offenses related to intellectual property and computer systems as part of a criminal association.”

The suspects are believed to have been involved in a well-organized operation distributing pirated content over the internet, impacting both local and international markets.

International Cooperation

The operation is not limited to Croatia. As part of a broader international effort to combat digital piracy, law enforcement agencies in other countries have joined in collecting evidence and dismantling the criminal network.

Comments from the Minister of the Interior

Interior Minister Davor Božinović spoke about the scale and impact of the operation:

“This investigation is being carried out in close cooperation with Europol. In Croatia alone, the estimated damages caused by these illegal activities are nearly two million euros. However, this is just the beginning of the investigation, and we expect further developments as the case unfolds.”

Božinović emphasized that this operation is part of the broader efforts to fight organized cybercrime and protect digital content from theft and illegal distribution.

The Role of NXT Software

The use of NXT software to facilitate the illegal streaming highlights the technical sophistication of the suspects and underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling online piracy. NXT has long been associated with piracy networks that steal and distribute copyrighted content globally, often bypassing legal protections.

Broader Implications

This crackdown represents a significant step in the ongoing battle against online piracy and intellectual property theft. Croatian authorities, working with international law enforcement partners, are making strides to disrupt organized crime and protect the rights of content creators and distributors.

For more information, visit the original report on Dnevnik.hr.