HiAnime Operators were Arrested in Vietnam
The world’s largest anime piracy website has officially come to an end. HiAnime Operators Were Arrested four months after the platform shut down, following an international operation involving authorities from Vietnam, the United States, and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE).
HiAnime Operators Were Arrested After Months of Investigation
The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) confirmed that seven people suspected of operating HiAnime were arrested in Vietnam. According to the organization, the operation was carried out jointly with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, with support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to the investigation, the suspects were involved in copyright infringement related to the unauthorized copying and online distribution of movies and TV series, including anime.
The announcement comes about four months after HiAnime unexpectedly shut down, permanently ending its operations in March of this year.
HiAnime’s Shutdown Marks a New Phase in the Fight Against Piracy
The end of HiAnime represents another major blow to illegal anime and manga platforms. In recent months, several popular piracy websites have been taken offline through coordinated operations involving Asian authorities and international anti-piracy organizations.
Recently, major manga websites such as Harimanga, Manhwaclan, and Kunmanga also ceased operations. According to previously released information, these platforms had been under surveillance since 2023 by companies linked to the manga industry.
ACE stated that it will continue working with governments and investigative agencies to identify and dismantle other illegal streaming networks around the world.
Anime Industry Faces Increasing Enforcement
The rise in operations against piracy websites reflects the continued growth of the anime industry worldwide. As official streaming services compete for licenses and major companies invest even more in the sector, copyright protection has become a top priority.
In addition to streaming platforms, Japanese studios and publishers have intensified efforts to prevent the unauthorized distribution of their works.
via Baohatinh