A GROUP of West Mercia Police officers have been recognised for their outstanding work in tackling illegal streaming operations known as piracy.
Officers, DI Matthew McNelis, Sgt Ian Osborne, DS Michael Dunscome and DC John Hughes from West Mercia Police’s Cybercrime Team were recognised at the FACT Excellence Awards on Wednesday April, 19.
Detective Inspector Matt McNelis said, “It is good to see West Mercia’s investment in digital investigation is paying dividends and we can reach into diverse threat areas to protect our communities against offenders exploiting the internet.
“We’re grateful for support that has been provided by FACT and we appreciate they have taken the time and effort to acknowledge our hard work.”
The awards, which recognise exceptional efforts of police and law enforcement across the UK for their support in the fight against piracy, have honoured 19 police personnel for their involvement in successful prosecutions of some of the largest illegal streaming operations in the UK over the past few years.
The team were nominated by FACT CEO, Kieron Sharp. He said: “The hard work of West Mercia Police has not gone unnoticed, and it gives me great pleasure to commend these officers on receiving this award.”
FACT was formed in 1983 to protect the content, product and interests of the film and television industries, investigating cybercrime, fraud and other IP crime, they are considered leaders in intellectual property protection.
