Somw of the suspects involved after their arrests. Photo courtesy othe Department of Cyber Security and High-tech Crime Prevention (A05)

HƯNG YÊN — Scores of individuals involved in the illegal sports streaming site Xoilac TV are being prosecuted, according to the Hưng Yên Provincial Police on Thursday.

Thirty people were charged by authorities for copyright infringement, organisation of illegal gambling and illegal gambling.

The investigation is taking place by the Department of Cyber Security and High-tech Crime Prevention (A05) under the Ministry of Public Security and the Hưng Yên Provincial Police.

According to Colonel Nguyễn Huy Lục, head of Division 5 (Department A05), the department has monitored and discovered illegal activities involving a group connected to the website known as Xoilac TV.

The gang was believed to have illegally transmitted copyrighted content and advertised and redirected viewers on the platforms to illegal gambling websites.

The actions, according to Lục, poses serious threat for criminal activities and violated the legal rights and benefits of many groups and individuals.

On the basis of the evidence gathered by authorities, on February 2, A05 partnered with the Hưng Yên Provincial Police to dismantle Xoilac TV. Initial investigations have discovered the group's method of operations, with many individuals involved working under the cover of a technology company.

The two suspects who headed the organisation were identified as 47-year-old P.N.D. and 33-year-old N.C.Đ., both living in Hà Nội.

At a press conference on Thursday, Lục stressed the need to protect intellectual properties on cyberspace, noting that the dismantling of Xoilac TV provided a great step in creating a healthy and legal competitive environment in culture and technology.

The A05 head also said that the damages pertaining to the activities of copyright infringement by Xoilac TV is being thoroughly investigated by authorities with regard to regulations. The total amount of damage will be disclosed to the public later.

A05 also warned the public not to access illegal sports or movie streaming sites. Users are at risk of being exposed to malwares that could stole information, or enticed to illegal gambling platforms. VNS

See also: Free but not free: the price of 'bootleg' sports streams