TWO men have been jailed for illegally streaming Sky Sports and BT Sports in a criminal enterprise earning them "substantial profits".

Hampshire's Trading Standards team launched a series of raids in the UK and Ireland leading to arrests and a prosecution jointly run by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).

Computers and electronics were analysed by the national Trading Standards, with four people taken to court.

Dodgy businessman Michael Simmonds, 45, of Bridge Road in Bursledon was jailed for five and a half years for his role in running a company linked to the case, and money laundering.

Meanwhile, Kieran Collins was jailed for three years for being involved in the company and money laundering.

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A judge ruled Collin, 38, of Beccles Road, Great Yarmouth, made  £329,239.51 from the streaming. He was ordered to pay £15,399.59.

Investigators have launched proceedings to claw back cash from Simmonds.

Kieron Sharp, Chief Executive of FACT, said: “The individuals sentenced were involved in running a criminal enterprise that generated substantial profits with no regard for the rights of content owners. 

"FACT continues to pursue those operating illegal streaming services who risk criminal convictions and forfeiture of assets.”

Amanda Collins, 37 of Beccles Road, Great Yarmouth, and Robert Kurian, 46 of Mascalls Way, Chelmsford, were convicted of money laundering.

Collins was handed an 18-month term suspended for two years with 200 hours' unpaid work. She was convicted of money laundering.

Kurian was handed an eight-month term suspended for two years with 180 hours' unpaid work.

Collins was ruled to have benefited by £80,000 and must pay back £59,698 while Kurian must pay £1 after making £21,039.

Hampshire County Council said all four were "convicted on charges in connection with the illegal streaming of copyright-protected material, such as Sky Sports and BT Sports, and laundering the proceeds of this illegal activity".

Councillor Edward Heron, from the county council, said: "This successful prosecution in collaboration with FACT has helped to ensure that legitimate providers of digital content are supported, and crucially, that consumers are protected from downloading unregulated content.” 

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