Sky has issued a message to illegal streamers after a ‘family man’ from Birmingham has become their latest high-profile catch. Gary McNally was jailed for two years and nine months at the city’s crown court on Wednesday, January 15.
The 56-year-old ran a ‘sophisticated and large-scale operation’ from his home for four years between 2017 and 2021. The case was described as ‘rare and unusual’ due to the fact that McNally created the illegal content as well as distributed it.
Matt Hibert, group director of anti-piracy at Sky, said: “Today’s (Wednesday’s) sentencing highlights the significant consequences that can arise for those that get involved in illegally streaming content. We are grateful to the West Midlands Police for acting so robustly to take down a highly sophisticated illegal streaming operation.
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“We will continue to work with law enforcement to protect our content and help keep consumers safe from criminal piracy networks.”
McNally ran an illegal IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) service called Each Online. It provided access to illicit streams including Sky Entertainment, Sky Sports and Sky Movie channels as well as other premium content owned by other national and international broadcasters.
He came to the attention of Sky in June 2020 after an investigation revealed he was using legitimate NOW TV accounts to gain illegal access to Sky content. West Midlands Police executed warrants a two properties in Birmingham in September 2021 leading to McNally’s arrest.
A large amount of digital equipment was seized including laptops, hard drives and NOW TV devices used to operate the illegal service. McNally ‘focused’ on providing access to English Premier League football as well as other sports.
He boasted that he had more than 2,000 subscribers log on to a pay-per-view boxing match at its peak. Birmingham Crown Court was told McNally’s setup was ‘complicated’ and resilient. It was also powered by ‘office-grade broadband’ which cost him £420 a month.
He confessed to making around £40,000 in profit from the scheme, although claimed the ‘majority’ of the proceeds went to another man he refused to name. He further alleged the third party ‘pressured’ him into it and left him ‘in the lurch’.
Prosecutor Ari Alibhai said: “There have been many cases concerned with the supply of illicit streams, there have been few dealing with content creators – the harvesters.
“Those within broadcasting consider those who harvest and create content sit at the top of piracy pyramid. It does not mean they receive the most money. Mr McNally played a relatively unusual role in capturing the content. Distributing is more common.”
McNally, of Tavistock Road, Acocks Green pleaded guilty to two counts of making or supplying articles for use in fraud. His barrister said he was a ‘family man’ with a positive side to his character, adding that he had also been in gainful employment and paid his taxes.
Two other people were arrested. One was released with no further action while the other has been released pending further investigation.
A statement from West Midlands Police said: “We will work with partners wherever possible to disrupt criminal activity, and we hope this case sends a warning message to anyone involved in this kind of criminal enterprise.”
Sky added that illegal streaming ‘comes with risks’ to consumers. The organisation supports BeStreamWise, a scheme to help people understand the risks and facts around piracy.