Police have shut down the popular ‘Cristal Azul’ Kodi add-on and raided the operation. This live TV add-on had around 78,000 active users.
This operation, codenamed “Blue Corsair,” aims to clamp down on unauthorized streaming of Spanish football leagues. Authorities estimate that the illegal streaming has cost sports rightsholders €42 million.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Technological Investigation Team (EDITE) under Spain’s Guardia Civil.
The probe was triggered by complaints from LaLiga and Movistar, two major stakeholders in Spanish football broadcasting.
Operation Blue Corsair
The Guardia Civil tracked the illegal streams through a meticulous investigation of the add-on’s source code. They traced the activity to one of Spain’s most popular instant messaging platforms—Telegram.
By analyzing pseudonyms embedded in the add-on’s code, investigators identified a 37-year-old man suspected of running the operation. The accused now faces severe charges related to market fraud, with damages valued precisely at €42,547,104.
As a result of the operation, authorities not only shut down Cristal Azul but also blocked its associated Telegram channels and removed the illicit programming code. This marks a significant milestone in Spain’s efforts to curb digital piracy.
The Fallout: More Add-ons Shut Down
The shutdown of Cristal Azul has sent ripples across the piracy ecosystem. Before its closure, the add-on was part of the Luar repository on GitHub, which has since been taken down.
Hide Your Digital Fingerprint
A farewell message from the repository developers hinted at mounting pressure, stating, “We close doors. Thank you for being there.”
Other popular add-ons like TVChopo, Kodivertido, and Palantir have also scaled back their operations, possibly to avoid similar crackdowns.
Many piracy groups appear to be either shutting down or shifting to less visible platforms.
Telegram’s Policy Shift Sparks Piracy Panic
A key factor in this wave of closures is a recent change in Telegram’s privacy policies. After its founder Pavel Durov’s arrest in August, Telegram vowed to cooperate more closely with authorities on piracy complaints.
The company now states that it may share IP addresses and phone numbers of users violating its terms of service.
This policy shift has sparked concern among piracy groups, which previously viewed Telegram as a safe haven.
The heightened scrutiny has prompted several operators to reconsider their presence on the platform, fearing potential legal repercussions.
What This Means for Digital Piracy
The shutdown of Cristal Azul and Telegram’s policy changes highlight a growing trend: piracy networks are facing increased pressure from both law enforcement and platform operators.
As these groups retreat, it remains to be seen whether they will adapt by moving to other platforms or cease operations entirely.
For more information on this story, refer to the reports from La Vanguardia and TorrentFreak.
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