After operating for nearly a decade as one of the most visited piracy streaming networks worldwide, the FMovies operation has come to a definitive end. Vietnamese authorities have confirmed that the key figures behind the platform, Phan Thanh Cong and Nguyen Tuan Anh, both 34, have confessed to their roles and will now face prosecution for their involvement in the massive piracy scheme.
The Collapse of FMovies
FMovies, once an unstoppable force in the piracy scene, began to show signs of trouble in mid-2024. Content updates stopped in June, and by July, the site disappeared without explanation. In August, it was revealed that MPA (Motion Picture Association) and ACE (Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment) had worked with Hanoi Police to shut down the platform. This action dismantled FMovies and its network of related sites, including AniWave, Bflixz, Flixtorz, Movies7, and Myflixer.
These sites attracted over 6.7 billion visits from January to June 2024, making them one of the largest piracy operations ever. In a statement, Charles Rivkin, MPA CEO and ACE Chairman, called the takedown “a monumental achievement for the global creative community.”
Details from Vietnamese Authorities
Though initial reports were sparse, Vietnamese authorities have now disclosed more details about the investigation. The Economic Police Department of Hanoi, along with other local police units, launched an extensive probe into the operation, eventually identifying and apprehending the two primary suspects.
The Key Suspects
- Phan Thanh Cong
- Role: The “mastermind” behind FMovies, Cong is accused of creating, operating, and managing the illegal streaming network, which offered nearly 50,000 pirated films. These films violated copyrights belonging to major studios, including those represented by the MPA.
- Background: Cong has previously faced administrative discipline for similar offenses, although specifics are not provided.
- Nguyen Tuan Anh
- Role: Tuan Anh is accused of uploading around 50,000 films to FMovies and its sister sites, contributing to widespread copyright infringement.
A Lucrative Operation
The FMovies network reportedly began operating in 2016 and continued to rake in substantial profits until its shutdown in 2024. Authorities claim the two suspects earned “hundreds of thousands of dollars” from their illegal activities. Both men reportedly confessed to their crimes during questioning, leading to the decision to prosecute them under Clause 2, Section 225 of Vietnam’s Penal Code 2015, which targets large-scale copyright infringement.
Legal Consequences and Potential Penalties
The penalties for violating Section 225 can be severe, with fines ranging from VND 50,000,000 ($2,000) to VND 1,000,000,000 (nearly $395,000). Those found guilty may also face prison sentences of up to three years, depending on the severity of the offense. Given the scale of the operation and the reported illicit profits, it is likely that the suspects will face harsher penalties.
However, the Vietnamese legal framework allows for both fines and administrative measures, leaving the exact punishment uncertain.
International Cooperation and Gratitude from the U.S.
The takedown of FMovies demonstrates the growing international cooperation in the battle against online piracy. In a police video, a letter from U.S. authorities was displayed, thanking Vietnam for its role in dismantling the piracy network. This collaboration highlights the importance of global efforts to curb piracy and protect the intellectual property of content creators worldwide.
FMovies’ fall serves as a cautionary tale for others in the piracy business, showing the risks involved in running illegal streaming services. While the case is still in progress, the investigation’s success marks a major step in the ongoing war against online piracy. The final details of the prosecution and sentencing remain to be seen, but the message is clear: piracy will not go unpunished.
