UEFA joins forces with Europol in major crackdown on illegal streaming networks

Following the success of the original Operation Kratos in summer 2024, UEFA has also contributed to its successor, Operation Kratos 2, a large-scale international initiative co-led by Europol and Bulgaria’s General Directorate Combating Organised Crime (GDBOP). As previously, this operation targeted a number of organised crime groups found to be involved in the supply of illegal IPTV services and the provision of unauthorised online streaming platforms. UEFA’s support for the operation took the form of detailed intelligence and expertise on the unlawful broadcasts of its competitions, drawing on its extensive content protection programme and advanced monitoring technologies.

Conducted between September 2025 and April 2026, the operation brought together law enforcement authorities across several EU Member States, as well as the United Kingdom and the United States. The coordinated action led to 148 searches, the identification of 86 suspects and 29 arrests as well as the dismantling of nine organised criminal groups and the removal of over 27,000 illegal streaming URLs.

“UEFA strongly supports coordinated international action against organised crime in the digital environment. We would like to thank all of the authorities and industry partners involved for their continued cooperation and contributions. Operations such as this highlight the importance of cross-border collaborative action designed to tackle the wider ecosystem behind illegal streaming services with the specific aim of identifying, and taking down, the networks and individuals driving these activities,” said a UEFA spokesperson.

“Protecting media rights revenues remains critical to sustaining the entire European football ecosystem. UEFA is fully committed to doing everything possible to combat this evolving threat and will continue to work closely with law enforcement authorities and industry partners as part of these ongoing efforts.”