DSI Launches Operation LION STRIKE to Crack Down on Online Premier League Piracy Networks, Raiding 6 Targets Linked to Online Gambling Networks with Damages Exceeding 2 Billion Baht

DSI Launches Operation LION STRIKE to Crack Down on Online Premier League Piracy Networks, Raiding 6 Targets Linked to Online Gambling Networks with Damages Exceeding 2 Billion Baht

Amid the ongoing situation regarding the unauthorized online broadcasting of live sports—particularly Premier League football matches—piracy has continued to expand, negatively impacting Thailand’s intellectual property protection. The issue has drawn international attention, with the United States placing Thailand on its Intellectual Property Watch List and linking the matter to trade negotiations. Meanwhile, the copyright holders of live Premier League football broadcasts lodged a complaint with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), requesting serious enforcement actions against copyright infringement.

This initiative aligns with the government policy of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which focuses on fair law enforcement and the suppression of all forms of illegal crime. Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthaphol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, directed the DSI to proceed with cracking down on copyright infringement across digital media alongside combating online crime and illegal gambling websites. The directive emphasizes prosecuting offenders and tracking down their assets to build confidence in intellectual property protection and boost safety and fairness in the digital society.

On September 1, 2026, Pol. Maj. Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the DSI, along with Pol. Maj. Jatupol Bongkochmas, Deputy Director-General of the DSI, instructed Pol. Capt. Khemachart Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Technology and Cyber Crime Bureau, to lead officers from the Bureau alongside the officers from the Bureau of Special Operations in executing "Operation LION STRIKE."

With search warrants issued by the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, officers raided six target locations—2 in Bangkok, 2 in Nonthaburi Province, and 2 in Phuket Province—in connection with online live sports streaming copyright infringement, specifically Premier League matches.

During the operation, officers located Mr. Akkapong (surname withheld), the administrator of "DOOPEANTEAM"—a website providing unauthorized live broadcasts of major sporting events, including Premier League, World Cup, and Euro football matches. Evidence linked the site to the online gambling network named "UFA Thai." Officers seized physical evidence and relevant documents, including 7 mobile phones, 3 laptop computers, 1 television set, 1 desktop computer (CPU), 1 tablet computer, 1 SSD card, 5 bank passbooks/seized bank accounts, copies of 8 bank passbooks for deposit accounts, and 278,000 baht in cash

Regarding this case, authorities have shut down all websites within the "DOOPEANTEAM" network. It is estimated that the copyright infringement involving live broadcasts of the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 Premier League seasons caused total damages exceeding 2 billion baht. The network's modus operandi involved intercepting live broadcast signals, converting them, and retransmitting them online without authorization—directly violating copyright and impacting rights holders, broadcast management systems, and revenue from related businesses.

The Technology and Cyber Crime Bureau of the DSI will expand its investigation to target all related individuals within the network, as well as those benefiting from the illegal activity. Officers will audit financial trails and associated assets to prosecute every offender to the fullest extent of the law. The DSI emphasizes that online copyright infringement—including intercepting, converting, and retransmitting live broadcast signals without permission—is an illegal act, particularly when linked to other offenses such as online gambling or technology-related crime.

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