New Delhi: In a significant victory against digital piracy, Disney Star India has successfully dismantled a network of illegal streaming websites airing ICC T20 World Cup matches. Led by Major Ashok Yadav and aided by the Ahmedabad police, the media conglomerate’s anti-piracy efforts have culminated in the shutdown of platforms such as magicwin.games and magicwin.com, which were brazenly streaming live cricket matches alongside promoting unlawful betting activities.
Major Yadav expressed concern over the proliferation of such nefarious operations during high-profile events like the World Cup. “These websites were not only broadcasting live matches illegally but also encouraging betting, particularly targeting younger audiences,” he stated. “Following our FIR, the cybercrime cell in Ahmedabad swiftly collaborated to block the illegal streams within 10 days and apprehend the perpetrators.”
Under the leadership of Lavina Sinha and ACP Hardik Mankadiya, the investigation pinpointed key figures behind the operation. Three individuals—Divyanshu Patel, Shubham Patel, and Harsh Patel—have been identified as central to the illicit streaming network. Divyanshu, a website developer from Gujarat, was found receiving match feeds from a cable operator in Pakistan known as Azhar. Shubham, based in Canada, facilitated international customer engagement, prompting an international lookout notice against him.
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“During the raid at Divyanshu’s premises, we seized crucial evidence including laptops, routers, and servers,” revealed ACP Mankadiya. “The operation’s servers were decentralized across locations like Winnipeg, Russia, and Germany to evade detection.”
Beyond the immediate crackdown, authorities are delving into the wider implications of illegal betting associated with the case. Investigations are focusing on a fintech company facilitating UPI transactions for betting, and a media agency responsible for promoting magicwin through extensive billboard campaigns in Ahmedabad.
“Prominent figures unwittingly endorsed magicwin, underscoring the need for stricter advertising guidelines,” commented a media expert. “This incident should serve as a wake-up call for celebrities to be vigilant about the brands they endorse.”
As the case unfolds, Disney Star India remains committed to combating digital piracy and safeguarding the integrity of sporting events. With legal proceedings underway, the crackdown serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against online piracy and illegal betting activities.
