LALIGA and ALIANZA consolidate regional offensive against audiovisual piracy in Latin America

LALIGA and the Alianza Against Audiovisual Piracy (ALIANZA) acted as strategic partners in the 8th phase of Operation 404, an international initiative led by Brazil to combat internet-based intellectual property crimes. The operation, focused on the piracy of sports and entertainment content throughout Latin America and considered the country’s largest-ever international action in this field, brought together authorities from Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and the United Kingdom, with Mexico and the United States participating as observers.

In this phase, 535 websites and an illegal streaming app were blocked, thousands of pirated contents were removed from digital platforms, social networks, and file repositories, and 44 search warrants were executed in several Brazilian states, including preventive arrest orders and arrests in flagrante delicto. The goal was to go beyond merely taking down illegal signals and directly target the technical infrastructure and funding chain that sustain these services.

Key actions by country

Brazil: 44 raids and mass blocking of pirate sites

From Brasilia, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security coordinated the current phase of Operation 404. In addition to the blocking and suspension of 535 sites and an illegal streaming app, 44 search warrants were carried out across fifteen Brazilian states. Equipment was seized during the operations, preventive arrest orders were executed, and suspects linked to the administration and monetization of pirate platforms were arrested. The action was supported by agencies such as the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) and the National Film Agency (Ancine), as well as international intellectual property protection associations.

Argentina: three people detained and removal of apps with over 5 million downloads

In Argentina, Operation 404 dismantled a network of audiovisual piracy apps that had amassed more than five million downloads and offered illegal broadcasts of football matches, other sporting events, movies, series, and live TV. The operations took place in Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz Province, where three individuals were detained for their alleged involvement in running these platforms. The investigation was led by the Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office of San Isidro (U.F.E.I.C), under Court of Guarantees No. 4 of San Isidro, with logistical and operational support from the Argentine Federal Police. The case also benefitedfrom the collaboration of Mercado Libre, which provided key information regarding the sale of devices and services linked to these illegal systems.

Ecuador: first participation in Operation 404 and major operation in Guayaquil

Ecuador participated in Operation 404 for the first time, markinga milestone in its fight against audiovisual piracy and organizedcrime. In a major operation carried out in Guayaquil, aroundtwenty commercial establishments were raided under judicial orders, in a joint effort by the National Police, the NationalService for Intellectual Rights (SENADI), and the InternalRevenue Service (SRI).

One of the key targets was the takedown of Tele Latino, a well-known illegal streaming platform operating at least ten different URLs aimed at the Latin American audience, offering live TV, movies, series, and stolen sports signals. Additionally, more than 1,240 decoder boxes used to fraudulently access pay-TV content and streaming services were seized during raids in “La Bahía,” a popular commercial district in Guayaquil.

According to ALIANZA, audiovisual piracy has a structural impact in the country: around 65% of households with broadband access either using illegal services or engaging in signal theft. In addition, approximately two-thirds of broadband households consume audiovisual content supplied by piracy. This situation results in multimillion-dollar losses for operators and programmers, reduces tax revenue, and hinders the creation of formal employment in the audiovisual sector.

Why Operation 404 is relevant for Latin America and for LALIGA

Operation 404 demonstrates that audiovisual piracy is a regional problem that transcends borders and business models. Networks that illegally retransmit football matches and other entertainment content not only harm rights holders but also fuel underground economies linked to organized crime, affect tax collection, and put consumers at risk by exposing their personal and financial data when using unauthorized services.

For LALIGA and ALIANZA, coordinated work with authorities in Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and other participating countries is essential to protect the value of audiovisual rights, ensure that clubs and leagues receive fair compensation for their competitions, and guarantee that fans access broadcasts in safe, legal environments. The combination of technical investigation, legal action, and international cooperation reinforces a clear message: audiovisual piracy has consequences and is not a responsibility-free zone.

LALIGA will continue providing intelligence, technical support, as well as collaborating with authorities in the region to promote new legal and technological actions, as well as awareness campaigns to reduce the consumption of illegal content and strengthen the sports and entertainment ecosystem in Latin America.