Thu Sep 04 23:00:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Streameast, World’s Largest Illegal Sports Streaming Platform, Shut Down in International Crackdown**
**Summary:**
Streameast, the world’s largest illegal sports streaming platform, has been dismantled following a year-long investigation led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE). The operation, conducted in collaboration with Egyptian law enforcement, targeted the platform’s network of 80 unauthorized domains, which amassed 1.6 billion visits in the past year. Two individuals were arrested in Egypt on suspicion of copyright infringement. Authorities confiscated laptops, smartphones, cash, credit cards, and uncovered links to a UAE shell company allegedly used to launder advertising revenue. ACE is aware of ‘copycat’ sites and are investigating whether the sites are related. The shutdown is hailed as a major victory for sports leagues, entertainment companies, and fans worldwide.
**News Article:**
**Cairo, Egypt** – In a major blow to online piracy, Streameast, the world’s largest illegal sports streaming platform, has been shut down in a collaborative effort between the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and Egyptian law enforcement. The platform, responsible for 1.6 billion visits to its network of 80 unauthorized domains in the past year, offered free access to a wide range of global sports events, including the Premier League, Champions League, NFL, NBA, and MLB.
According to ACE, the operation took place on Sunday, August 24th, and resulted in the arrest of two men in El-Sheikh Zaid, Egypt, suspected of copyright infringement. Authorities seized laptops and smartphones believed to be used to operate the sites. Further investigation revealed links to a shell company in the UAE allegedly used to launder advertising revenue totaling £4.9 million ($6.2 million) since 2010, along with £150,000 ($200,000) in cryptocurrency. Multiple real estate properties in Egypt are also suspected of having been purchased with illicit funds.
“ACE scored a resounding victory in its fight to detect, deter, and dismantle criminal perpetrators of digital piracy: by taking down the largest illegal live sports platform anywhere,” said Charles Rivkin, chairman of ACE and chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). “With this landmark action, we have put more points on the board for sports leagues, entertainment companies, and fans worldwide.”
The takedown of Streameast, which averaged 136 million monthly visits, has been welcomed by sports organizations and entertainment companies. Ed McCarthy, COO of DAZN Group, stated, “This criminal operation was siphoning value from sports at every level and putting fans across the world at risk.”
Despite the shutdown, ACE has confirmed that “copycat” sites have emerged, attempting to capitalize on the gap in the market. The organization is currently investigating whether these sites are related to the original Streameast network.
The Streameast takedown highlights the ongoing battle against online piracy and the commitment of ACE and law enforcement agencies worldwide to protect intellectual property and ensure fair access to sports content.
First Piper 