UAE court orders shut down of illegal Dish TV services

DUBAI: Authorities in Abu Dhabi have raided a shop selling unauthorised subscription services and set top boxes from Indian pay-TV operator in the Gulf emirate following a complaint from the leading cable network.

Following the raid, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) authorities presented the case before the Abu Dhabi Court for illegal provision of TV content, backed with evidence seized during the raid which included Dish TV receivers and a computer.

OSN, the region's leading pay-TV network that offers international television entertainment content, had made the complaint.

Based on the evidence captured and applicable laws, the court has ordered the closure of the shop for 1 year, deportation of the shop manager, and imposed a fine of Dirham 200,000.

This judgement is subject to appeal, which has to be filed within 14 days.

"We are thankful to the CID and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department for their swift and stern action that will dissuade operators and distributors of illegal TV services.

"The court verdict reiterates the seriousness with which the government regards TV piracy. We will continue to work with the authorities to curb TV piracy, which adversely impacts the TV and creative industry of the UAE," said David Butorac, Chief Executive Officer of OSN.

Based on complaints filed by OSN, the Department of Economic Development and Criminal Investigation Departments across the UAE have investigated and conducted 47 raids to-date covering hotels, shops and camps.

India-based Direct-to-Home ( DTH) overspill services such as Dish TV India, Airtel Digital TV, Sun Direct and Tata Sky are unlicensed and unauthorised to operate in the Middle East and North Africa region.

According to industry reports, TV piracy costs the industry over $ 500 million every year.

The Anti-Piracy Coalition has launched a campaign called 'Do the Right Thing,' encouraging illegal pay-TV subscribers to swap their service for a legitimate OSN set-top box.