The Supreme People's Procuracy has indicted seven suspects over a large-scale pirate film-streaming operation that earned about VNĐ315.3 billion (US$12.85 million) in advertising revenue between 2019 and 2026.
The case centres on HiAnime, previously known as Zoro.to and Aniwatch. It attracted more than 150 million monthly visits before shutting down in March. The indictment also names Sflix/Myflixerz and 9animetv. The seven will be tried by the Hanoi People's Court.
Four suspects face charges of copyright and related-rights infringement and money laundering. Three others face copyright-infringement charges only.
According to the indictment, the group built and operated pirate sites, copied films, used leased servers and earned advertising revenue. The operation allegedly copied 26,000 television series and 7,500 animated films from 2019 to 2026.
The indictment says the group received 12.85 million USDT in advertising payments. Investigators also identified alleged profits, property purchases and vehicle purchases by the suspects.
The sites received repeated DMCA warnings and changed addresses to continue operating. No trial date has been announced.
Sources: Viet Nam News
