Newsletter Subscribe
Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter
Multichoice Arrests Piracy Mastermind in South Africa
Share your love
Piracy Mastermind Arrested in SA: MultiChoice Group has continued to make some gains in its fight against piracy.
MultiChoice Group and police detectives said on Friday they arrested an alleged piracy kingpin in Gauteng.
The arrest is part of a series of anti piracy efforts by the JSE-listed broadcaster.
Piracy Mastermind Arrested in SA
In a statement, the DStv operator says yesterday, a successful raid was conducted in Gauteng, with the support of police detectives from Eldorado Park Police Station.
“The suspect, Jurgen Johannes Potgieter, was arrested for selling login credentials and internet streaming pirate devices, which enabled illegal access to premium content.”
“These actions are in direct contravention of sections within the Cybercrime Act. Additionally, the suspect faces charges of money laundering,” MultiChoice said in a statement.
Also Read: MultiChoice Will Navigate Through Nigeria’s Turmoil
Potgieter has been detained and will appear in court in Lenasia on Friday.
The police also confiscated some pirate devices during the raid, and “will be thoroughly analyzed”.
Piracy Mastermind Arrested in SA, Reveals MultiChoice Commitment To Combating Piracy
Recall that the company announced two arrests of suspected video streaming pirates, in its ongoing commitment to combating the piracy challenge it has faced over the years.
These operations underscore MultiChoice’s commitment to combating digital piracy and protecting the creative industry, it notes.
Frikke Jonker, the director of broadcast cybersecurity and antipiracy at MultiChoice-owned Irdeto, in the statement, emphasized the importance of the raid.
He said, “This raid highlights our continuous efforts to dismantle illegal operations that undermine the creative industry.”
He also commended the police for their professionalism.
Saying, “More raids are imminent as we intensify our efforts to combat digital piracy. The professionalism displayed by the Police before and during the raid was exemplary and contributed significantly to the operation’s success,”
Looking Ahead: Addressing The Issue Of Copyright Infringement
MultiChoice said Partners Against Piracy, an Africa-wide, multi-stakeholder initiative, is working alongside local governments and prosecutors. This is to actively address the issue of copyright infringement.
MultiChoice said, “The initiative aims to strengthen government agencies through collaboration to facilitate information sharing. Also, to enforce IP laws more strongly, and combat privacy.”
“Among these agencies are the Serious Commercial Crime Unit of the Hawks, the South African Police Service, and the cybercrime units in various provinces.”
