Manager of 25 private torrent sites settles with Brein for 12,000 euros

An administrator of 25 private torrent sites settled with Brein for 12,000 euros. As part of the settlement, sites he managed were taken offline. The man also rented and hosted torrent sites and offered VPN connections.

The man wrote and maintained software for 25 illegal private torrent sites and rented seedboxes, with which torrent traffic can be automatically uploaded and downloaded. Brain identified the man last year and visited his home in August. After that, ‘the still active sites’ went offline. With the investigation, Brein has also taken actions ‘against other parties involved’.

After August, the man signed a statement promising not to work on illegal torrent sites anymore. If the man broke this promise, Brein could impose a fine of 2,500 euros per day, with a maximum of 50,000 euros. After New Year’s Eve, the settlement was reached and the man must pay 12,000 euros in installments. In the event of non-payment, Brein can claim 18,000 euros.

Brein says it focuses on such ‘private trackers’, because these private torrent sites can have up to tens of thousands of users per site. The sites can offer content such as books, films, music and series. The foundation often reaches settlements with administrators of sites that distribute illegal content. With settlements, the administrators prevent Brein from starting a lawsuit.