A Las Vegas-based illegal streaming service, bigger than Netflix, just got busted in a landmark copyright case.
At a Glance
- Computer programmer Yoany Vaillant convicted for role in massive illegal TV streaming service Jetflicks
- Jetflicks offered 183,285 TV episodes, surpassing licensed services like Netflix and Hulu
- Operation caused millions in losses to U.S. television and streaming industries
- Case marks largest internet piracy prosecution by volume, first illegal streaming case to go to trial
- Eight defendants total, with varying sentences including prison time
Massive Illegal Streaming Operation Uncovered
In a major blow to internet piracy, a Nevada jury has convicted computer programmer Yoany Vaillant for his role in operating Jetflicks, one of the largest illegal television streaming services in the United States. This case exposes the dark underbelly of digital piracy and its devastating impact on legitimate content creators and distributors.
Jetflicks, a subscription-based service operating out of Las Vegas, offered users access to a staggering 183,285 television episodes – a number that dwarfed even legitimate streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu. This massive library of content was obtained and distributed without the permission of copyright holders, directly undermining the financial stability of the U.S. television and streaming industries.
The Scope of the Operation
Vaillant, a computer programmer with 15 years of experience, played a crucial role in maintaining Jetflicks’ operations. He and his co-conspirators employed automated software to source infringing content from notorious pirate sites such as The Pirate Bay and RARBG. This sophisticated operation allowed them to reproduce and stream hundreds of thousands of copyrighted episodes to tens of thousands of paying subscribers.
The scale of this piracy operation was unprecedented. Jetflicks often made new episodes available shortly after they aired on television, beating even legitimate streaming services to the punch. This not only violated copyright laws but also severely undercut the ability of content creators and distributors to monetize their work effectively.
Legal Consequences and Industry Impact
Vaillant’s conviction marks a significant milestone in the fight against digital piracy. He is the eighth and final defendant in this case, which has been described as the largest internet piracy case by volume of infringed works and the first illegal streaming case to go to trial. The Department of Justice has taken a hard stance against such operations, recognizing the severe economic impact they have on the entertainment industry.
The consequences for those involved have been severe. Vaillant’s co-defendant, Darryl Polo, pleaded guilty and received a sentence of nearly five years in prison. Another accomplice, Luis Villarino, was sentenced to one year behind bars. The remaining defendants – Dallmann, Jaurequi, Courson, Garcia, and Huber – were tried and found guilty in Las Vegas. Sentencing for Vaillant and other defendants is scheduled for February 3 and 4, 2025.
A Warning to Digital Pirates
This case serves as a warning to those engaged in or considering digital piracy. The involvement of the FBI’s Washington and Las Vegas Field Offices, along with the prosecution by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, demonstrates the seriousness with which law enforcement views these crimes.
As streaming becomes an increasingly dominant form of media consumption, the entertainment industry and law enforcement are likely to intensify their efforts to combat piracy. This case sets a precedent that could shape future prosecutions and serves as a reminder of the real economic consequences of digital theft. For consumers, it underscores the importance of supporting legitimate streaming services to ensure the continued production of high-quality content.
