Authorities have shut down more than 27,000 illegal streaming URLs as part of a major international anti-piracy operation launched ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The seven-month investigation, known as Operation Kratos 2, was coordinated by Europol and Bulgarian authorities and targeted illegal IPTV providers and unauthorized streaming services distributing sports, television, and film content.
The operation led to 29 arrests, 148 searches, and the identification of 86 suspects. Investigators also dismantled nine organized criminal groups allegedly involved in running piracy networks.
Law enforcement agencies from 13 countries participated in the crackdown, including the United Kingdom, United States, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Officials said the investigation focused not only on removing illegal streaming platforms but also on identifying the criminal organizations operating behind them. In addition to the 27,000 URLs taken down, authorities identified more than 18,000 IP addresses, 4,370 piracy-related domains, and hundreds of thousands of additional infringing links and digital assets.
UEFA supported the operation by providing intelligence related to unauthorized broadcasts of its competitions and said protecting media rights remains essential to the future of professional football.
Authorities also warned that illegal streaming services can expose users to cybersecurity risks such as malware, spyware, and data theft.
The crackdown comes just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, a tournament expected to generate massive global demand for live football streams.