Following the recent takedown of an illegal IPTV operation worth ₹700 crore, Gujarat Police have expanded their investigation to explore possible links between the accused and global piracy syndicates, radicalization efforts, and illicit financial activities.
Mohammed Murtuza Ali, an app developer from Jalandhar, Punjab, was arrested for allegedly running an unauthorized streaming platform called BOS IPTV. According to law enforcement, the illegal service reached nearly five million subscribers and broadcasted thousands of premium TV channels including several from Pakistan without proper authorization.
The Gujarat Cyber Crime Cell is now looking beyond the piracy charges to assess whether the platform was used to push extremist content. Authorities are especially focused on the potential influence of radical ideologies distributed through these unauthorized channels.
Dharmendra Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Gujarat Cyber Crime Cell, said in a statement to Storyboard18, said, “The suspect was clearly dealing with Pakistani nationals to distribute content. Radicalisation via distributing such content is we are investigating.” He added, “We want to track down the servers used by the suspect for distributing such illicit content in India. We are investigating further about other persons involved in the matter,” he added.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that the operation may have links to piracy syndicates based in Pakistan, Syria, and the Middle East. An officer involved in the probe stated, “The accused is a member of the larger syndicate and distributed copyright content via WhatsApp and Telegram.”
Authorities believe the IPTV platform was also used to broadcast advertisements from Pakistan-based brands, raising suspicions about the role of the service in money laundering activities. Police suspect that the suspect may have used cryptocurrency to launder profits, and financial tracking efforts are currently underway to collect evidence.
The probe took off after Star India filed a complaint that triggered an investigation by Gujarat Police. This led to the arrest of Ali, who is considered the main figure behind the illegal operation. Police officials say the platform may have generated up to ₹700 crore annually from subscriptions to pirated content.
During the arrest, law enforcement seized three laptops and two mobile phones allegedly used to manage the platform. Ali has been charged under various laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 Sections 303, 318(4), and 61 and under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, Sections 37, 51, 63, and 65A. Charges also include violations of the Information Technology Act, 2000 Sections 65, 66, 66B, and 66D.
A spokesperson for JioStar praised the action, saying, “This crackdown is a critical milestone in our ongoing fight against piracy. We commend the swift and impactful action by the Cyber Police in Gandhinagar and other agencies involved. At JioStar, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect our content, partners, and the interests of millions of lawful subscribers. We will not hesitate to take the strongest possible legal action against anyone found engaging in such unlawful activities.”
This is not the first time enforcement agencies have cracked down on illegal IPTV networks. Storyboard18 had previously reported a raid in the UAE on a rogue IPTV provider selling pirated streaming boxes via its website, primeproott.com. The operation led to the seizure of devices offering over 12,000 unauthorised premium channels.
Disney Star had filed a criminal complaint against the UAE-based operator, citing pricing of Rs 5,750 for the box and Rs 2,300 for app access. The ongoing investigation by the Gujarat Police highlights the growing concern over how piracy platforms may be used for purposes beyond copyright infringement, including financial crimes and ideological influence.