Man jailed by Co Tyrone court over £700,000 illegal streaming services scam spanning years
A man has been jailed over a six-figure fraud involving streaming services.
Cormac McGuckin, 38 and from Bellaghy, has been jailed for two years over the scam, which ran from at least 2016 to 2020.
Meanwhile Maura McGuckin, 34 and also from Bellaghy, was given a one-year suspended sentence today at Omagh Crown Court.
It followed investigation into the sale of illegal subscriptions for television channels and broadcasters, with more than £700,000 involved.
On June 4 of this year Cormac McGuckin pled guilty to charges including participating in a fraudulent business on dates between January 1, 2016 and June 18, 2020, admitted possessing articles for use in fraud on June 18, 2020, and pled guilty to charges of converting criminal property, possessing criminal property, and transferring criminal property.
As well as two years in jail, he will also serve two years on licence.
Also, on June 4, Maura McGuckin pled guilty to converting criminal property on holiday-related expenses and car payments, and possessing criminal property between April 21, 2017 and June 18, 2020.
Her 12 month sentence was suspended for two years.
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Sergeant Robinson said: “After we were contacted by Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), a lengthy and complex investigation was conducted by Mid Ulster Criminal Investigation Branch detectives, along with local uniform officers.
"This was a brazen operation that ran for several years and as though it was a legitimate, legal business, the proceeds of which were used for multiple vehicle loans for high-end car brands, while there was also various large payments on holiday-related expenses.
“This is not a victimless crime as this type of operation has a direct impact on businesses and consumers, and our message to anyone involved in this type of crime is that it will not be tolerated and, working with partner agencies, police will investigate.
"Users and subscribers of illegal services should also be aware that they too are committing an offence for which they can be identified and prosecuted.
"It is no surprise that those who provide illegal streaming have no concerns for your private information, including bank details.
"The software and devices used to stream the footage can be used to harvest personal data. That ‘cheap subscription’ could end up costing you an awful lot more."
A confiscation investigation has been conducted by the Economic Crime Unit with a view to seizing the defendants’ available assets.
The amount to be confiscated will be determined at a future hearing.