A pirate TV operation worth up to €20m has been uncovered by Gardaí in Cork.

It was part of ongoing investigations into the activities of an organised group.

An Garda Síochána attached to the Economic Crime Investigation Unit carried out seven searches in the Cork region on Thursday.

The searches were carried out by officers from the Cork City division, supported by local detectives and the local Computer Crime Investigation Unit.

Representatives from Virgin Media, Sky TV and Nagra were also involved.

A significant amount of electronic equipment and documentation was seized.

The fraud being investigated involves up to 20,000 people nationwide using these 'set top' boxes.

There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

Main image: Used electronics for sale in a thrift store in New York | Image: Richard B. Levine/SIPA USA/PA Images