A Premier League streaming pirate was arrested for allegedly broadcasting football matches online in Thailand.

The suspect, identified by police only as 'Mr K', reportedly streamed the copyrighted footage on multiple websites that also carried ads for illegal online gambling.

The Department of Special Investigation raided a mansion in the Palm View luxury housing estate of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, to arrest K on August 20.

Police seized more than 10 million Baht (229,000 GBP) in assets, including bank accounts, a house and lot, a car, and two motorcycles.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wisutr Wongyai of the Mae Ping Police Station said the case stemmed from a July 2024 complaint lodged by TV provider TrueVisions, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the Premier League in Thailand.

Investigations found a network of suspected streaming pirates who were also linked to online gambling and mule accounts.

Pornchai Jitboon, an investigator at the Department of Special Investigation, said: 'The websites broadcast livestreams free of charge.

'However, they were also used as channels to invite people to various forms of online gambling activities, such as football betting, online lottery, baccarat, slots, and links to gambling websites operating overseas.'

Authorities said the piracy racket left TrueVisions with more than two billion Baht (45.8 million GBP) in losses, while the gambling websites had caused 240 million Baht (5.5 million GBP) in damages.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said financial trails leading to more than 150 mule accounts were discovered. Relevant assets including cash stashed in the accounts have been seized, officials said.

The DSI added that the suspects violated several offences under laws related to money laundering, copyright infringement, and advertising for illegal gambling.

In a statement, it said: 'Under the Criminal Code and the Gambling Act of 1935, the Department of Special Investigation has already prosecuted some of the offenders and is currently tracking down those who have fled abroad.

'The Department will expedite the investigation and coordinate with relevant agencies to apprehend the remaining individuals, particularly those with key roles or those behind the scenes, to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, to protect the rights of copyright holders and prevent repeat offenses.'

(1 GBP = 43.71 THB)