A MAN who enabled people to illegally have access to premium digital broadcast channels without paying a subscription has been sentenced by a court in the first conviction of its type in Scotland.

Gavin Gray appeared for sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court today after pleading guilty to four charges of fraud and offences under the Copyright Designs Patents Act 1988.

The 25-year-old's operation was uncovered following a multi-agency operation involving Police Scotland, FACT, Sky, Virgin Media and other agencies in 2014.

Read more: Could you be in trouble with the law for using Kodi?

He was arrested for fraudulent activity in what is commonly known in the industry as ‘card sharing’

This cyber-enabled crime allows protected encrypted television broadcasts to be viewed without a valid subscription to the broadcast provider.

Gray advertised his criminal business on dedicated card sharing websites and forums, supplying unlawful access to homes across Scotland.

When officers searched his home in Mossend, Belshill they seized £44,500 hidden in a safe in the loft. Police were also able to later seize £80,000 from his bank account.

He was tagged for 12 months and told to 300 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Chief Inspector Mark Leonard, the lead for counterfeit and intellectual property for Police Scotland, said: “Officers conducted an operation in conjunction with a number of agencies including FACT at the home address of Gavin Gray where they seized computer equipment and large sums of cash.

Read more: Could you be in trouble with the law for using Kodi?

“The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr Gray was the lynchpin in large-scale, organised illegal activity known in the industry as ‘card sharing’ with clients across the UK and internationally, serviced by his online website from his Bellshill base.

“This activity allows people to electronically purchase command lines to data held on computer servers that provides them with access to premium digital broadcast channels."

He added: “Although people may think that this will have little impact on major broadcasters, make no mistake, the amount of money being lost is on a large scale.

“It’s obviously very tempting for people to think they are getting a bargain but it’s important to remember that there are organised criminals behind these fraudulent schemes, often supporting and funding other more serious crime, such as human trafficking and drugs, so people need to be aware of that. Purchasing a ‘so called bargain’ may lead to a visit from the police at your door so think twice before saying yes.

"Officers working at the Scottish Crime Campus and the Scottish Anti Illicit Trade Group (SAITG) recognise that organised criminals are diversifying into products and commodities where there is perceived less risk. Police Scotland will continue to work in partnership with private industry and specialists to deter global crime trends that are harming our communities."

Read more: Could you be in trouble with the law for using Kodi?

Kieron Sharp, Director General of FACT, added: “Whether it's card sharing or IPTV set-top boxes, allowing access to premium pay-for TV without the proper licence is illegal.

“FACT takes this criminality very seriously and will continue to work with Police Scotland and our members including BT Sport, the Premier League, Sky and Virgin Media to ensure that this illegal activity is disrupted.”