The coordinated operation was carried out by Customs and Tax Service officers from 15 voivodeships, including Lower Silesia, together with police officers from the Łódź Provincial Police Headquarters and the Łódź Municipal Police Headquarters.
The actions were conducted on the basis of an order issued by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Łódź and earlier operational findings. The Department for Combating Crime at the Ministry of Finance was responsible for coordinating the activities.
During the operation, officers searched several dozen locations. At 51 selected sites, a total of 58 people aged between 19 and 72 were detained. All suspects were charged with fiscal offenses related to operating illegal gaming machines.
287 illegal gaming machines
As a result of the operation, officers seized 287 illegal gaming machines. They also took possession of computer equipment and data storage devices, as well as narcotics.
Those detained included people suspected of participation in an organized criminal group and of operating and running illegal gaming machines. For these offenses, the suspects may face up to 8 years in prison.
Pretrial detention and police supervision
Police supervision was imposed on three people. A further four were remanded in pretrial detention by court order for two or three months.
Two additional people were detained on suspicion of drug trafficking and possession. Among those detained was also a 19-year-old who had previously been the subject of an arrest warrant.
More than PLN 598,000 in secured funds
The scale of the operation was considerable. Officers secured more than PLN 598,000, as well as devices and data storage media.
KAS reminds the public that possession of illegal gaming machines and other equipment enabling gambling operations is punishable by a fine of PLN 100,000 per machine.
Organizing illegal gambling, in addition to a substantial fine, may also result in up to 3 years’ imprisonment.
Investigators do not rule out further detentions
The investigation remains ongoing. Investigators do not rule out further detentions in connection with the proceedings.
The operation resulted from cooperation between officers of the National Revenue Administration and the Police, and its aim was to dismantle activities related to organizing illegal gambling.