A resident of Wexford, Ireland, has become a notable figure in what has been described as Ireland’s growing “dodgy box” piracy problem.

David Dunbar operated an illegal IPTV service—a system that delivers television content via the internet without authorization. He ran this operation from 2018, offering thousands of subscribers access to copyrighted broadcasts, undermining legitimate streaming services across Ireland.

Sky described Dunbar as a “top level” pirate, emphasizing the scale and sophistication of his operation. Investigators noted that his activities likely caused very serious detriment to broadcasters and licensed services. Financially, Dunbar’s service was substantial. It’s estimated he had up to 5,000 customers, with annual income reaching around €450,000, based on subscription tiers priced between €80 and €100 per year.

In 2025, Dunbar was brought to the High Court in Dublin, where legal measures were sought, including the seizure of devices and the freezing of assets. When the court issued orders to preserve evidence—allowing legal representatives to enter Dunbar’s premises—he reportedly refused entry and destroyed key evidence, acts that constituted contempt of court.

Rather than contest the claims, Dunbar consented to a judgment, admitting infringement. In July 2025, a High Court judge ordered him to pay €480,000 in damages and approximately €100,000 in legal costs. He was also served with a permanent injunction banning him from operating any IPTV service in the future.

The court has yet to decide whether Dunbar will face imprisonment for contempt, as his refusal to comply with the original court orders may carry further consequences.

This case highlights the seriousness with which rights-holders are cracking down on piracy in Ireland, especially targeting unauthorized streaming services that divert audiences from legitimate broadcasters. With thousands of Irish households reportedly using pirate IPTV devices, Dunbar’s case sets a strong legal precedent and serves as a warning to other operators.

The combination of financial penalties, injunctions, and possible jail time signals that the courts are prepared to take robust action against digital piracy—especially when efforts are made to destroy evidence and obstruct justice. It’s a landmark moment in Ireland’s ongoing fight against illegal IPTV services.