Hoteliers arrested in illegal TV swoop

NATIONAL POLICE have arrested 53 people, all from the catering sector, throughout Spain for crimes against intellectual property and telecommunications fraud. The investigation began when a TV network made several complaints that ‘smart cards’ were being used illegally.

Police inspected several premises such as bars, restaurants and cafeterias in Madrid, Leon, Valencia, Lugo and Valladolid, where TV signals destined for residential use only were being shown.

The network has a specific contract and a different signal for public use such as this which is more expensive than the residential one.