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International Task Force Against Piracy Takes Down 535 Sites and a Streaming App in the 8th Phase of Operation 404.
An international task force against piracy takes down 535 sites and a streaming app during the 8th phase of Operation 404, launched this Thursday (27) by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP).
The action mobilized agencies from Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and the United Kingdom, along with the United States and Mexico as observers, in an offensive aimed at dismantling digital networks responsible for crimes against intellectual property.
The goal is to prevent the dissemination of illegal content, attack the funding structure of piracy, and hold accountable administrators of irregular platforms operating in several Brazilian states.
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With this, the government reinforces the message that digital crimes do not go unpunished and that the protection of copyright remains a priority in light of the growth of clandestine streaming services.
Operation Expands Reach and Strengthens Fight Against Digital Piracy
In this phase, the international task force against piracy takes down 535 sites and a streaming app, as well as removing thousands of illegal contents from social media and repositories.
44 search and seizure warrants were executed, including four preventive arrests and three in-flagrante arrests.
The actions occurred across multiple states, with support from Civil Police and federal agencies such as Anatel and Ancine.
Unlike previous phases, the current stage has placed special focus on the financial flow of pirate services, tracking monetization sources and payment structures used to keep clandestine platforms running.
“The Internet is not a lawless territory,” says MJSP Director
To reinforce the institutional message, the Director of Operations and Intelligence of Senasp, Rodney da Silva, highlighted the importance of the international offensive.
“This operation is a response from the Brazilian state to digital crime.
In the current phase, it not only removes illegal content but also directly attacks the infrastructure and funding chain of piracy, showing that the internet is not a lawless territory.
We will continue our work rigorously to protect intellectual property and the creative ecosystem,” he stated.
This statement summarizes the main focus of phase 8: to intensify the fight against the business model that sustains the crime.
International Cooperation Strengthens Results of Operation 404
In addition to the removal of sites, the international task force against piracy takes down 535 sites and a streaming app thanks to the joint work of agencies and institutions from various countries.
Entities involved included:
City of London Police – IP Crime Unit;
Intellectual Property Office (United Kingdom);
U.S. Department of Justice;
National Institute for Defense of Competition (Peru);
Premier League;
Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE);
ABTA, ALIANZA, APDIF, IFPI, ESA, MPA, EUIPO, among others.
The multinational effort demonstrates that the fight against digital piracy transcends borders and requires alignment among governments, the cultural industry, and security agencies.
Operation History: Progressive Advancement in the Fight Against Crime
Since 2019, the Operation 404 has been expanding its reach, with blockages, arrests, and the large-scale removal of illegal content. Highlights from previous phases include:
1st phase (2019): 210 sites and 100 apps blocked.
2nd phase (2020): 252 sites suspended.
3rd phase (2021): 334 sites deactivated.
4th phase (2022): advancement into the metaverse and over 10 million illegal downloads removed.
5th phase (2023): 199 sites removed and 11 arrests.
6th phase (2023): 606 irregular sites blocked in various countries.
7th phase (2024): 675 sites and 14 apps taken down.
Now, with phase 8, the international task force against piracy takes down 535 sites and a streaming app, maintaining the growing pace of actions.
Economic and Cultural Impacts of Piracy
The investigated individuals are suspected of illegally distributing music, movies, sports broadcasts, and games, resulting in significant losses for the creative economy.
Additionally, beyond financial losses, the practice undermines jobs, cultural investments, and fair compensation for artists and producers.
What the Law Says About Digital Piracy Crime
In Brazil, those who commit crimes against intellectual property can face two to four years of imprisonment, as well as fines, according to Article 184 of the Penal Code.
Moreover, those involved may also face charges of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
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