5 arrested in raids against alleged illegal gambling organisation in Europe
Europol says nearly 150 police officers took part in coordinated raids against illegal gambling organisers in Spain and Sweden.
Sweden.- The European Union’s law enforcement agency, Europol, has announced the results of a major operation against an alleged illegal gambling organisation in Europe. It says five people were arrested in a series of coordinated raids in Spain and Sweden.
Raids were carried out of November 28 and 29 at two properties in Murcia, in the south of Spain, and six in Stockholm. Europol described the target as a violent criminal network that ran large-scale gambling operations and money laundering. Police estimate that the business had annual turnover of around €20m.
The money laundering is alleged to include activity for the group itself but also for other criminal organisations, including for drug traffickers in Sweden and the wider Nordics. Europol says that nearly 150 officers were involved in the operation.
Three people were arrested in Sweden and two in Spain. Police also seized luxury watches, cash and other valuables worth several hundred thousand euros. In Sweden, one property identified as an illegal gambling club also contained drugs, along with indications of possible human trafficking, Europol said.
“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,” the agency added.
