Dubai Police busts criminal network pirating premium satellite channels

Dubai Police has dismantled an organised criminal network involved in pirating encrypted international satellite television channels.

The criminal network would illegally rebroadcast content through receiver devices, online links, and unauthorised websites before selling access to the public through unlawful annual subscriptions.

Dubai Police revealed that extensive investigations and monitoring saw members of the gang make copyrighted media content available without obtaining the necessary licences or approvals from rights holders, exploiting unauthorised digital networks and online platforms to generate illicit financial gains at the expense of content owners.

Investigations further confirmed that the suspects actively marketed and sold access to pirated broadcasting services through annual subscription packages, in violation of legislation governing intellectual property rights, copyright, and related rights.

The illegal activity resulted in significant financial losses for the company holding the exclusive rights to the content.

Dubai Police emphasised that such offences constitute a violation of UAE Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights, reaffirming that they will continue monitoring and pursuing individuals who exploit modern technologies.

The authorities have urged members of the public to obtain digital content only through authorised channels and licensed platforms and to avoid purchasing subscriptions or services from unknown or unlicensed sources, warning that such services may expose users to legal liabilities, cybersecurity risks, and potential online fraud.

#أخبار | شرطة دبي تضبط تشكيلاً عصابياً يُقرصن قنوات فضائية مشفرة.

التفاصيل:https://t.co/bQ4FdWLNmv#مكافحة_الاحتيال #الملكية_الفكرية pic.twitter.com/9Gm8m4T5BM

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) June 20, 2026