U.S. Seizes over 1,000 web domains
The operation was led by the Washington Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysean Duva of the DOJ's Criminal Division said the crackdown reflects the government's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring the successful staging of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He noted that "Operation Offsides" is designed not only to combat copyright infringement but also to protect consumers from malicious malware commonly found on illegal streaming websites.
Investigators found that the seized domains had been broadcasting World Cup matches without authorization. The investigation received support from FIFA, beIN Media Group, NBCUniversal, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), the Motion Picture Association (MPA), UFC, and Warner Bros.
In addition to the United States, "Operation Red Card" was carried out in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, and Chile during the World Cup. The international operation resulted in the shutdown of hundreds of illegal streaming websites. In Colombia, 11 people were arrested and convicted for producing and selling counterfeit sports merchandise.
The Justice Department also warned that users of illegal streaming websites face significant cybersecurity risks, including malware infections, theft of personal information, and financial fraud. Authorities urged fans to watch World Cup matches only through authorized and legitimate streaming platforms.
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