A Pirate Collaborator of Omi in a Hellcat Surrenders Earned Profits to the United States Government

A Pirate IPTV Partner of Omi in a Hellcat Forfeits Gains to US Government

Gears-branded IPTV Services Shut Down

In 2019, the US federal government took action against Bill Omar Carrasquillo, also known as ‘Omi in a Hellcat’, and shut down his Gears-branded IPTV services. Carrasquillo, who had gained popularity online, was involved in the operation of these illegal services.

Omi in a Hellcat Urges Others to Avoid Piracy

It wasn’t until 2022 that Carrasquillo started encouraging others not to follow his path into piracy. He openly admitted to criminal activities such as copyright infringement, tax fraud, wire fraud, and other offenses. This turnaround in attitude was a surprising revelation to many who had followed his online presence.

Link Between IPTV Operators and Organized Crime

It has become increasingly common to witness IPTV operators involved in various criminal activities, such as tax fraud, hacking, theft, and more. These illegal activities have become associated with the world of IPTV services, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the industry.

Additional Criminal Indictments Revealed

While focusing on Omi in a Hellcat’s case, a criminal indictment from 2021 revealed that he wasn’t the only one being targeted by the US government. Two more individuals, Jesse Gonzales from California and Michael Barone from New York, were also charged with criminal offenses related to the illegal redistribution of major television network content.

Guilty Plea and Forfeiture Order

Out of the two defendants, Michael Barone chose to plead guilty to copyright infringement offenses. As a result, the US government issued an Order of Forfeiture against Barone, stating that all property derived from his illegal activities will be confiscated. Barone’s involvement in the pirate IPTV scheme reportedly yielded over $30 million in revenue.

Legal Disclaimer

In line with legal requirements, IPTV Wire, the publication providing this article, clarifies that it does not own or operate any IPTV service or streaming application. The website does not endorse or distribute any such services. Any media accessed through devices, apps, addons, or services mentioned on the website is solely the responsibility of the end-user. For verified and legal IPTV services, IPTV Wire recommends providers such as Vidgo.

Barone’s Confiscation Amount and Pending Sentencing

In the case of Michael Barone, the US government calculated the amount to be forfeited based on his illegal gains, which totaled over $122,000. However, authorities were unable to locate any further assets belonging to Barone that could be confiscated. The order for forfeiture will take effect once Barone has been sentenced, but the scheduled date in November 2022 seems to have been delayed.

Original Source and Legal Documentation

For those interested in further details, the original source of this information can be found on the TorrentFreak website, accompanied by the official legal documentation. The provided links allow readers to access the comprehensive article and the official Order of Forfeiture document issued by the US government.

Warning About Scammers and Fake Websites

It is crucial for readers to be cautious of scammers pretending to be associated with popular IPTV services like “Gears TV.” Such scammers create fake websites and sell fraudulent subscription packages, deceiving users who may be seeking access to legitimate IPTV services. A similar scam was previously observed with BestBuyIPTV.

Ongoing Tracking of Online Activity

It is important to note that online activity can be tracked by Internet Service Providers, application developers, and government agencies using identifying IP addresses. However, individuals can protect their privacy by using Surfshark VPN, which encrypts internet connections, masks IP addresses, and maintains anonymity.

Surfshark VPN Offers Anonymity

To ensure anonymity while streaming, Surfshark VPN is highly recommended. It not only encrypts internet connections, but also masks IP addresses and locations. By using Surfshark VPN, individuals can browse the internet without revealing their true identities.

Surfshark VPN Discount and Account Benefits

Surfshark VPN offers a significant discount on its services, allowing users to save 82% and enjoy two free months. Additionally, the VPN service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, demonstrating its confidence and commitment to customer satisfaction. Surfshark VPN accounts can be used on unlimited internet-connected devices, providing convenience and flexibility.

Exploring Legal IPTV Providers

To ensure compliance with copyright laws and enjoy a hassle-free streaming experience, users are advised to explore verified and legal IPTV providers. Two such providers, fuboTV and Philo, offer a range of channels and services to cater to different interests.

fuboTV: A Popular Choice for Sports Enthusiasts

fuboTV is widely recognized as one of the most popular paid legal IPTV providers, especially among sports fans. The service offers a range of plans, with the most comprehensive plan priced at $69.99 per month and includes over 115 channels and DVR functionality. New users can also take advantage of a 7-day free trial to experience the service before committing.

Philo: Entertainment and News Channels

Philo is an IPTV service that primarily focuses on entertainment and news channels. For $20.00 per month, subscribers gain access to over 60 channels and unlimited DVR. Similar to fuboTV, Philo also offers a 7-day free trial for new users, providing an opportunity to test the service.

Pluto TV: Free and Legal IPTV Application

Pluto TV, a free and legal IPTV application, is a popular choice among cord-cutters. With hundreds of live channels, alongside a vast library of movies and TV shows, Pluto TV offers a wide range of entertainment options. The platform is widely used and trusted by millions of users worldwide.

Conclusion: User Responsibility and Ongoing Debate on IPTV Legality

While IPTV Wire strives to provide users with accurate information, it is important to note that determining the legality of IPTV services, apps, and add-ons is not always clear-cut. The responsibility lies with the end-user to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks and consequences associated with accessing content through unverified sources. For more in-depth information on the legal aspects of IPTV, readers can refer to IPTV Wire’s comprehensive guide.

To ensure a hassle-free streaming experience, users are advised to consider legal IPTV providers, such as fuboTV, Philo, and Pluto TV, which offer verified content and services.