Overview of the Operation
In early February 2026, a coordinated international raid dubbed “Operation Switch Off” targeted a worldwide IPTV piracy network. The operation, conducted by Italian authorities with support from Eurojust, Europol and Interpol, took place a week before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Key Services and Resellers Hit
Investigators identified three high‑profile IPTV services that were shut down:
- IPTVItalia
- DarkTv
- migliorIPTV
Associated reseller panels and Telegram accounts used to sell access were also taken offline.
International Law‑Enforcement Collaboration
The crackdown illustrates the power of cross‑border cooperation. Eurojust coordinated judicial assistance, Europol provided operational intelligence, and Interpol facilitated information exchange across more than 30 countries.
Technical Infrastructure Behind the Network
Authorities seized:
- A “SIM farm” in Naples used to generate Telegram bots.
- Six servers located in Eastern Europe.
- An additional server in an unnamed African country.
These assets enabled the network to evade detection and process millions of illegal streams.
Financial Impact and Scale
The illicit operation reportedly generated €8 million to €10 million in revenue each month. Italian police disconnected over 125,000 users domestically, with millions more affected globally.
Significance Ahead of the Olympics
Although the police press release did not reference the Games, the timing underscores a preventive strategy to protect broadcast rights during a high‑profile international event.
Future Outlook
Rightsholder groups such as ACE praised the operation, calling it proof that sustained international cooperation can effectively combat digital piracy. The dismantling of the network is expected to deter similar schemes and encourage further joint investigations.