RCMP bust illegal satellite TV operation

[Slamminc11]

Montreal Gazette
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The RCMP have broken an illegal satellite television signal business operating out of Montreal.
That’s bad news for the business owner, but also for his 300-500 customers, as they, too, will be charged in the case and could face fines of up to $5,000, Corporal Luc Bessette said today.
Most of the customers signed on to obtain Spanish-language programming not available legally in Canada, Bessette said.
Police were brought in after the Canada Border Service Agency intercepted a parcel with plastic cards – keys of sorts that customers insert into decoding machines.
http://www.dishnewsonline.tv/index.php?action=news

 

[riffjim4069]

Always a good day when a criminal is caught and, hopefully, punished.

 

[Claude Greiner]

Yea, but if you read closely its more grey market than hacking!

 

[Derwin0]

Yea, but if you read closely its more grey market than hacking!

Yep, it even mentions using a post office box in the States to have the invoices sent.
It's basically a broker that got busted.
Unfortunately for Canadians wanting American services, there is a law that makes it illegal for them to recieve foreign television services.
Luckily for us, the reverse is not true (thank you First Amendment)

 

[MCIBUS]

Yep, it even mentions using a post office box in the States to have the invoices sent.
It's basically a broker that got busted.
Unfortunately for Canadians wanting American services, there is a law that makes it illegal for them to recieve foreign television services.
Luckily for us, the reverse is not true (thank you First Amendment)

Thats right. I live in Canada and can confirm Derwin0
on this.

Luckly my broker wasn't in Montreal.

 

[cobra2225]

Yea, but if you read closely its more grey market than hacking!

the hacking part comes from getting every channel for the price of a card,and
not paying dish or direct a penny.

 

[jrbdmb]

Most of the customers signed on to obtain Spanish-language programming not available legally in Canada, Bessette said.

So there is no Spanish-language programming available in Canada? Or are they talking about channels available in the U.S. but not up north?

Much like U.S. citizens who "grey market" sub to Canadian DBS services or "movers", it's a shame that the government and content providers can't figure how to make $$$ from those who want these services, rather than prosecute them.

 

[kstuart]

There is Telelatino Network that is 50% Italian and 50% Spanish, and that's it.
Probably, there has not been any perception that any Spanish speaking population existed in Canada.