Unmasking a Piracy Network Disrupting a Major OTT Platform

How digital forensics exposed and dismantled an illegal streaming operation

Case #PA-23

Opened: Jan 15, 2023

Team: Piracy Reveal

Case Overview

As digital consumption soared, so did piracy. One of India's largest media networks approached Pirates Alert after discovering that a rogue streaming app was illegally broadcasting premium content, including shows from their official OTT platform. This wasn't just about copyright theft; it directly impacted subscriber revenue, OTT platform traffic, and even offline revenue, as users began abandoning paid subscriptions in favor of this unauthorized, free alternative.

Client Brief

Leading Indian Media & Entertainment Company

Broadcasting & OTT

Platform

Digital Streaming Platforms

Solutions

Piracy Reveal

The Problem

The piracy threat wasn't hypothetical, it was already affecting the bottom line with users discontinuing legitimate services to switch to the pirated app.

Critical Issues

•Piracy app illegally distributing copyrighted content from client's OTT service
•Growing user base eroding both online subscriptions and offline revenues
•Users discontinuing legitimate cable/DTH services for pirated app
•Real-time streaming of pirated content replicating official platform
•Monetization through ads and indirect revenue channels
•Need for clear ownership trail and legal grounds

Evidence #1: Counterfeit Product

Strategic Approach

Using our advanced CounterReveal solution, we conducted a multi-layered investigation to pierce through fake identities and uncover the real perpetrator.

Platform Investigation

Performed detailed analysis of piracy app's technology stack, streaming model, and content sourcing.

Critical component for success
"Check with team about timeline"

Evidence #1: Platform Investigation

Key connection!

Content Mapping

Cataloged illegal content and matched it to client's copyrighted library for infringement proof.

Critical component for success
"Client very satisfied with this"

Evidence #2: Content Mapping

Money trail

Financial Tracing

Used payment gateway forensics to obtain critical financial details of the operation.

Critical component for success
"Check with team about timeline"

Evidence #3: Financial Tracing

Digital breadcrumbs

Identity Resolution

Uncovered masterminds' identities through digital footprint analysis and infrastructure connections.

Critical component for success
"Client very satisfied with this"

Evidence #4: Identity Resolution

Visual ID secured

The Outcome

Thanks to this in-depth investigation:

Key Achievements

Law enforcement arrested both masterminds
Complete shutdown of piracy platform
Other piracy networks voluntarily removed client's content
Traffic redirected to official platform
Created deterrent effect in piracy ecosystem

Digital piracy isn't just a nuisance, it's a scalable business model designed to siphon value from legitimate content owners. Left unchecked, it can severely damage revenue, user trust, and long-term platform growth. In this case, Pirates Alert went beyond detection by tracing infrastructure, financials, and individuals behind the piracy operation. The result: clear enforcement, ripple effects across the piracy ecosystem, and regained control for the brand.