Louth targeted in latest dodgy box clampdown

A clampdown on illegal streaming and the use of TV ‘dodgy boxes’ is under way in seven counties, where legal warnings have been sent out.

The counties currently being targeted are Cork, Dublin, Galway, Laois, Louth, Mayo and Monaghan.

The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with industry and service providers to investigate and prevent illicit streaming.

A garda spokesperson said the illicit streaming of Internet Protocol Television is a copyright offence under Section 140 of the Copyright and related rights Act 2000.

The GNBCI has a number of live investigations with some matters currently before the courts.

"Where appropriate Money Laundering offences and the freezing of accounts are also pursued in the investigation of these complaints," the garda spokesperson said. 

"An Garda Síochána cannot provide specific details of matters that are currently before the courts or subject to criminal investigation," the spokesperson added. 

The latest action comes after a clampdown earlier this year which resulted in several dodgy box operators being shut down.