Police in West Yorkshire have arrested four men accused of running a large-scale illegal streaming network tied to modified Amazon Fire Sticks. Authorities say the group distributed devices preloaded with apps that gave users access to premium sports, films, and TV channels without paying for official subscriptions.

The raids, carried out in late October, were part of a coordinated investigation into copyright fraud and money laundering. Officers seized streaming boxes, cash, and digital evidence connected to the operation, which police say generated “a substantial profit.” The suspects were released on bail while the investigation continues.

The arrests come as Amazon begins rolling out new anti-piracy measures across its Fire TV platform. The company’s latest software update, Vega OS, blocks users from sideloading third-party apps outside its official app store. That change directly targets modified Fire Sticks, which have long been used to install unverified IPTV and media streaming software.

Piracy through modified streaming devices has become one of the most persistent challenges for broadcasters and tech companies. These devices, often sold online or through social media, promise “free access” to subscription-only content. But authorities say they also pose serious cybersecurity risks, with many loaded apps collecting personal data or redirecting users to malicious sites.

Industry experts believe this latest crackdown could mark a turning point. By combining legal enforcement with platform-level restrictions, Amazon and law enforcement agencies are effectively closing off the supply chain from both ends — targeting those who distribute the hardware and cutting off the software that enables it.

While police say their focus remains on distributors rather than individual users, they’ve warned consumers that owning or using modified devices could still lead to civil penalties or expose them to scams. The arrests serve as another reminder that the appeal of “free” content often comes with hidden costs.

As of this week, Amazon has not commented publicly on the arrests, but the company has continued to issue advisories about unauthorized Fire Stick software and devices being sold through unofficial channels. The message from both Amazon and authorities is straightforward: piracy may still be easy to find, but it’s getting much harder to hide.