Vietnam Arrests 7 Linked to HiAnime Anime Streaming Site

HiAnime was one of the largest and most popular free streaming sites for anime until its sudden closure earlier this year.

Authorities in Vietnam have apprehended seven individuals allegedly involved in the operation of HiAnime, a prominent free anime streaming platform that attracted over 150 million monthly visits. The arrests followed extensive investigations by entities such as U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice, and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment.

The suspects face charges of copyright infringement and money laundering related to a network of over 100 pirate streaming websites, including HiAnime, which collectively offered more than 26,000 unlicensed titles and reportedly earned approximately $12.8 million from advertising revenue.

Despite rebranding efforts and domain changes, HiAnime struggled against anti-piracy measures, with the U.S. Trade Representatives recently highlighting the platform in its review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy.

The USTR also classified Vietnam as a Priority Foreign Country due to concerns over inadequate piracy regulation, prompting a trade investigation. The individuals involved in the HiAnime case are awaiting trial, facing potentially stricter penalties than previous piracy cases in Vietnam.