Illegal gambling in Greece: How a criminal ring used rigged software and panic buttons to evade police
A criminal ring in Greece allegedly used rigged software and panic buttons to run illegal gambling operations, earning over €1 million before being dismantled by police.Summary
Greek authorities have dismantled an alleged criminal organisation involved in illegal gambling in Thessaloniki, arresting 20 people and charging 18 with serious crimes including forming a criminal organisation, illegal online gambling, fraud, and money laundering. The group is believed to have operated since 2013 through at least four internet cafés in Thessaloniki and Kavala, using specialist software to manipulate gambling outcomes and determine winners, along with surveillance systems and electronic "panic buttons" to evade police detection. The operation, led by the Northern Greece Organised Crime Directorate, involved over 100 police officers and uncovered a hierarchical structure with leaders, deputies, and front owners. Investigators estimate the organisation's illegal profits exceeded €1 million. Searches resulted in the seizure of cash, vehicles, electronic equipment, and surveillance devices. The Anti-Money Laundering Authority has frozen bank and betting accounts linked to the suspected leaders.
(Source：Proto Thema)