By S. Ve., November 26, 2024
In a large-scale operation spanning five Croatian counties, USKOK and the Croatian police have apprehended 11 individuals suspected of engaging in organized criminal activities, including offences against intellectual property and computer systems.
According to sources from Dnevnik Nova TV, the arrested individuals allegedly sold unauthorized online TV packages featuring approximately 400 channels for a subscription fee of around 15 euros. The illegal streaming was reportedly facilitated using NXT, a well-known software among online piracy networks for distributing stolen content.
The operation, part of an international effort, also included coordinated investigative actions in several other countries.
USKOK’s Official Statement
USKOK outlined the operation’s scope and progress in a statement on their website:
“These arrests and accompanying urgent evidentiary actions result from a criminal investigation conducted by the Cybersecurity Service of the Criminal Police Directorate and the Split-Dalmatia Police Directorate, under USKOK’s directive.
Investigative activities are underway across multiple police jurisdictions, including Split-Dalmatia, Zagreb, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Požega-Slavonia, and Istria counties. The individuals in question are suspected of committing offenses against intellectual property and computer systems within a criminal association.”
USKOK has indicated that the suspects will be questioned, after which further legal steps will be determined. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
International Cooperation
The operation is not limited to Croatian soil. As part of a coordinated international initiative, law enforcement agencies in other countries are also carrying out related evidence-gathering actions.
Interior Minister Comments
Interior Minister Davor Božinović emphasized the international nature and significant financial impact of the case.
“This operation is conducted in close collaboration with Europol. In Croatia alone, the estimated damages amount to nearly two million euros. However, this is just the beginning of the investigation, and further developments are expected,” Božinović stated.
The use of the NXT software underscores the technical sophistication of the suspects and highlights the ongoing challenge of tackling piracy in the digital age.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of Croatian authorities and international partners to combat cybercrime and protect intellectual property on a global scale.
For more details, visit the original report on Dnevnik.hr.