Three Arrested in €25 Million Illegal Gambling Bust in Italy

URGENT UPDATE: Three individuals have been arrested in Italy for their involvement in an alleged illegal gambling operation that reportedly generated over €25 million in illicit revenue between 2019 and 2022. Local media outlets confirm that the operation involved illegal gambling totems.

The arrests were made as part of a broad investigation led by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate of Salerno and the Investigative Unit of the Carabinieri. Authorities describe this as a significant crackdown on organized crime linked to gambling activities. Alongside the arrests, officials have ordered the seizure of assets valued at no less than €4 million, which includes properties, luxury vehicles, and over €1.5 million in cash.

“The fight against illegal online gambling is one of the paramount tasks facing regulated jurisdictions,”

stated a joint announcement from regulators across Europe. The statement was issued just a week prior and highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures against illegal gambling, emphasizing consumer protection and market integrity.

This operation is part of a larger trend as European regulators, including those from Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, Spain, and Italy, unite against illegal gambling activities. The collaborative effort aims to enhance the integrity of the legal gambling sector while protecting citizens from the risks posed by unregulated operators.

Authorities have noted that the borderless nature of illegal gambling, compounded by rapid technological innovation, complicates regulatory oversight, making it easier for illicit operators to evade scrutiny. The investigation continues, with further developments expected as authorities gather more evidence and insights into the operation’s extensive network.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, highlighting the pressing issues surrounding illegal gambling and its implications for both the economy and public safety in Italy and beyond.