Yorkshire pubs raided in crackdown on illegal football broadcasting

Three people were arrested and more than 70,000 in cash was seized together with computer equipment, documentation, tobacco and drugs in the operation yesterday.

More than 70 officers were involved including the Media Protection Services and Revenue and Customs who also seized 400 bottles of wine and a small amount of tobacco.

The East Yorkshire operation also saw raids on several private addresses. A 43-year-old man has been arrested for drugs offences and obstructing police officers and two men aged 53 and 20 were arrested for money laundering and breach of copyright.

All three have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Det Insp Michael Reed, of Humberside Police, said: "This joint operation was conducted to provide reassurance to the law-abiding licensees in the city who have lost significant trade as a result of illegal criminal activity.

"This is organised crime and the profits made by those involved can be significant."

As part of a larger operation, police in Oldham executed a warrant and recovered the broadcasting equipment responsible for the alleged illegal feed of BSkyB into public houses in and around the Hull area.

It can cost pub owners up to 12,000 per year for viewing agreements from BSkyB.

Media Protection Services handle investigations for the Premier League, and managing director Ray Hoskin said: "This is the biggest crackdown on this type of criminal activity and is in response to concerns of honest publicans whose trade is suffering through the minority who flout what is now clear law."