Crackdown on Illegal Gambling in Calabria Nets Millions in Fines
A major operation targeting illegal gambling activities in the Calabrian provinces of Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia has resulted in the seizure of dozens of gaming machines and the filing of charges against several individuals. The operation, a collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, highlights the ongoing commitment to combating illegal gambling and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The coordinated effort involved officials from the Customs and Monopoly Agency of Calabria (Adm), supported by the Regional Anti-Fraud Office, working in conjunction with the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Guard), the State Police, and the Carabinieri (military police). This joint task force conducted the operation under the auspices of the Committee for the Prevention and Repression of Illegal Gambling, Gaming Security, and the Protection of Minors (Co.PRe.G.I.).
Extensive Raids Uncover Widespread Fraud
The raids targeted 51 businesses across the two provinces. During these inspections, authorities seized a total of 76 gaming machines. Four individuals were reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Reggio Calabria on charges related to the illegal operation of betting activities in violation of Law No. 401 of December 13, 1989, as well as for computer fraud. The individuals are accused of using gaming devices that did not comply with regulations, with the intent to evade taxes.
Sophisticated Scheme Bypassed Regulations
Investigations revealed that many of the tampered machines were equipped with a secondary circuit board, often referred to as a “clone.” This illegal component bypassed the circuit board authorized by ADM, allowing operators to either prevent data transmission to the Customs and Monopoly Agency’s electronic system or transmit only partial data.
This manipulation resulted in the complete alteration of gameplay, undermining the system designed to protect players and evading the accurate transmission of data, thereby defrauding the tax authorities.
Millions in Fines and Business Closures
Authorities are now working to recover the evaded taxes and will impose administrative penalties as outlined in Article 110, paragraph 9, letter f quater, of the Consolidated Law on Public Safety (TULPS). These penalties range from €5,000 to €50,000 per machine, potentially totaling over €3,800,000. In addition, the establishments where the tampered gaming machines were discovered face closure for a period of thirty to sixty days.
Unauthorized Betting Operation Uncovered
The operation also uncovered an unauthorized betting point operating on behalf of a foreign concessionaire without the necessary permits to operate in Italy.
Commitment to Legality and Protecting Vulnerable Individuals
This operation demonstrates the ongoing collaboration between institutions dedicated to ensuring legality in the gambling sector. It also underscores the focus on suppressing illegal gambling and betting activities to prevent the serious issue of gambling addiction, which is often exacerbated by illicit environments.
This information is provided in compliance with the rights of the accused (who are presumed innocent given the current stage of the proceedings, pending a final determination of guilt with an irrevocable sentence) to guarantee the right to report news.
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