French Authorities Crack Down on Massive $1.2 Billion Illegal Online Gambling Network
Massive Illegal Gambling Operation Uncovered in France
French law enforcement has dismantled a large-scale illegal gambling operation, believed to be one of the biggest globally, with an estimated revenue of $1.2 billion. This network operated solely through online platforms, processing numerous bets since its establishment in 2021.
Key Figures Detained and Major Sites Targeted
The crackdown focused on several online casinos, notably including Cresus Casino, along with other platforms such as Casino-Prive, Lucky 8, Jackpot Bob, and Olympe Casino. Investigators revealed that besides facilitating illegal betting, the organization was involved in other criminal activities like money laundering and promoting unlawful products, including gambling services.
The network had successfully built a significant online presence, with a YouTube channel amassing around 900,000 subscribers. The swift action by authorities, who identified and apprehended those responsible after the case emerged in July 2024, is notable.
Charges against the suspects carry severe penalties, including the possibility of up to ten years in prison and fines exceeding $875,000. The French Gambling Regulator (ANJ) played a crucial role in the investigation, uncovering that nearly 98% of the betting activity targeted French residents.
Two men were arrested on October 9, accused of organizing illegal gambling activities and operating within an organized criminal group.
Coordinated International Effort Against the Criminal Network
The investigation has expanded beyond France’s borders, engaging law enforcement agencies in Malta, Cyprus, and other international jurisdictions to trace assets and activities linked to the network.
In addition to French authorities, over a dozen European agencies including the Central Office against Cybercrime, Dutch police, and the Central Service against Prohibited Gambling have collaborated in this extensive crackdown.
