In a significant move against audiovisual piracy, Argentine justice has arrested the creator of "Al Angulo TV" for illegally broadcasting football matches and other high-profile sporting events. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into large-scale illegal broadcasting of live sports content.
The founder of the website “Al Angulo TV” was apprehended at his residence in Paraná, Entre Ríos. This arrest marks another decisive blow by Argentine justice against audiovisual piracy in Latin America. The accused had been illegally streaming national and international football matches, as well as major sporting events like Formula 1.
During a police raid at the accused's home, authorities seized computers, cell phones, and other technological equipment used to set up his illegal broadcasting operation. This operation was carried out under orders from Juzgado de Garantías 4 de San Isidro presided over by Judge Esteban Eduardo Rossignoli.
Investigation led by ALIANZA and LALIGA
The judicial investigation was spearheaded by the Alliance Against Audiovisual Piracy (ALIANZA) in collaboration with one its partners - LALIGA, Spain’s professional football league. Data provided by these organizations helped Argentine authorities confirm that Al Angulo TV operated with around 14 mirror domains to replicate stolen content.
The accused had recently launched an Android app that achieved high levels of viewership nationwide. Alongside another recently dismantled app - Magis TV app - it became one of Argentina's two most important pirate content distribution channels.
Court records reveal that both the websites and the Al Angulo TV app were strategically designed to generate revenue through informal advertising structures. However, these structures posed significant risks to users as they were exposed to potential malware infections and personal data theft. The accused had a system in place for managing the funds collected from these operations, utilizing virtual wallets and cryptocurrencies. These assets have since been seized by authorities during the investigation.
The accused: "Shishi"
The accused, known as “Shishi” on social media, had profiles across multiple platforms including YouTube. He recently boasted of reaching 100,000 followers and openly stated that he knew what he was doing but that “no one could catch him.” After an exhaustive digital investigation with industry technical support, the Prosecutor’s Office identified “Shishi” as the founder and sole owner of Al Angulo TV.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against audiovisual piracy. It underscores the importance of collaboration between authorities and organizations like ALIANZA and LALIGA in combating this form of cybercrime.
