For the first time in Italy
citizens have been cited for using illegal, pirated
'subscriptions' to pay-TV channels.
Some 223 Italians were cited for illegally watching TV
series, films and sporting events.
If they are convicted, their TVs, computers or smartphones
will be confiscated, judicial sources said.
They also risk jail time of up to eight years and a 25,000
euro fine.
The finance guard has been probing the phony subscriptions
for months.
The probe is still ongoing, it said.
Viewers alleged used the Internet Protocol Television
platform to pirate the TV output of the major pay TV services
including Sky, DAZN and Mediaset Premium.
Dozens of 'resellers' and hundreds of clients were allegedly
involved, police said.
One consequence of the scam is that the users shared with
criminals their personal data including banking and ID info,
police said.
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