Crackdown on Digital Piracy Unveils Illegal Broadband Hubs

Italy's finance police have dismantled three illegal broadband TV distribution centers in Crotone, seizing assets worth approximately €650,000. This operation is part of broader efforts to combat digital piracy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament for which Italy didn't qualify.

Italy's finance police announced Friday the discovery of three illegal broadband TV distribution hubs operating in Crotone, located in the southern Calabria region.

Four suspects have been reported in connection with the operation, and authorities have seized assets valued at around €650,000 ($751,900).

This raid is part of ongoing efforts to tackle digital piracy as the world gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a competition from which Italy's national team will be absent.