A myriad of raids have been undertaken in Spain and Sweden targeting a criminal gang operating extensive illegal gambling networks.
According to Europol, approximately 150 police officers from the Spanish National Police and Swedish Police Authority were involved in the raids on 28 and 29 November across six premises in Stockholm, Sweden and Murcia, Spain.
The action uncovered evidence of illegal gambling activity with an estimated annual turnover of €20m, and drugs were also seized at a property in Sweden believed to be used as an illegal gambling club.
Five arrests were made, and valuables, including luxury watches and cash, were also seized. Evidence of money laundering, drug trafficking and signs of possible human trafficking were also uncovered.
Europol stated: “The suspects form the core of a local criminal network known for its use of violence and intimidation, allowing the group to secure revenues, enforce debts and control sections of the illegal gambling market in the Stockholm area.
“These latest actions are part of a wider, multi-agency strategy to systematically dismantle networks that harm local communities while relying on international criminal connections.”
Stark EU numbers
Whilst the land based illegal sector continues to be a threat, the online black market is what is plaguing industry engagement and has garnered much of the attention of operators. However, the latest raids underpin just how expansive the black market threat is and that an effective strategy for both sectors is essential.
The raids follow concerning figures released from a European Casino Association-commissioned Yield Sec study, which estimated that the European Union’s black market dwarfs the regulated sector by more than double, and is currently worth €80.6bn in gross gaming revenue annually.
As a result, the EU’s 27 member states could be losing out on over €20bn in vital tax revenue each year.
“Illegal online gambling is not a marginal issue; it is an economic and societal threat. Every euro lost to criminal operators is a euro stolen from European citizens, from legitimate and licensed businesses, and from our communities,” said Erwin van Lambaart, Chair of the ECA, on the findings.
Following the findings, regulators from across Europe, including Spain, have committed to unite against the black market threat by sharing information on illegal operators, as well as knowledge and better practices in identifying, investigating and sanctioning operators outside the law.
