Singapore police have arrested a man and a woman suspected of running an online business selling illegal streaming devices that give users access to pirated content. This enforcement effort marks the city-state’s continued crackdown on digital piracy and copyright infringement.
According to a press release issued by the Singapore Police Force on 25 June, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department conducted simultaneous raids across several locations, including Jalan Damai and Geylang East. The operation, carried out on 23 June, resulted in the seizure of over 100 illicit streaming devices with an estimated street value of more than S$32,000.
The arrested individuals are a 32-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman. Authorities have not disclosed their relationship or how exactly the pair operated their illegal business.
Devices Allowed Access to Unlicensed Digital Content
The seized devices are believed to have enabled users to watch copyrighted content from unauthorised sources. These set-top boxes are often promoted as alternatives to official streaming services but are illegal under Singapore’s Copyright Act.
In addition to the streaming equipment, several electronic cigarettes and related accessories were also found during the arrest of the male suspect. That part of the case has been referred to the Health Sciences Authority, as vaping products are banned in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
Investigations are ongoing, and more details may emerge as authorities continue their probe into the illegal sale and distribution of pirated content.
Penalties for Digital Piracy in Singapore
Singapore’s copyright law imposes strict penalties on those found guilty of producing, selling, or distributing devices or services that enable the viewing of pirated content. Offenders may face fines of up to S$100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
The police have reminded the public that engaging in or supporting piracy — whether by selling, purchasing, or using unauthorised streaming devices — is a criminal offence. Users may not only face legal consequences but also risk malware and security breaches when using pirated platforms.
This case comes amid a broader regional push across Southeast Asia to tackle intellectual property violations, especially in the rapidly growing digital entertainment and e-commerce sectors.
Image Source: Singapore Police Force