Date: October 21, 2024, 10:39h.
Last updated: October 21, 2024, 11:08h.
An extensive operation led by Interpol aimed at combating illegal soccer betting during Euro 2024 confiscated over US$59 million in illegal profits resulting in the arrest of 5,100 individuals globally, as reported by the international police agency.
Known as “SOGA X,” the operation involved the cooperation of 28 countries and territories, resulting in the rescue of hundreds of trafficked workers in the Philippines and the disruption of global money laundering networks. Interpol reported the closure of numerous illegal betting platforms.
The illicit gambling market is estimated to surpass regulated markets, particularly in Asia. The Asian Racing Federation values it at around US$1.7 trillion globally, with soccer being the most popular sport for betting.
Major soccer events like Euro 2024, held from June 21 to July 21, witness a significant spike in betting.
Links to Human Trafficking and Money Laundering
Illegal gambling is typically associated with broader organized crime activities, stated Stephen Kavanagh, Interpol’s Executive Director of Police Services.
Organized crime groups derive substantial profits from illegal gambling, often intertwined with corruption, human trafficking, and money laundering,” Kavanagh declared. “The accomplishments of Operation SOGA X were made possible through global information sharing and the extensive efforts of law enforcement agencies on the ground.”
For example, in the Philippines, with Interpol’s support, authorities raided a scam center operating alongside a licensed gambling site (POGO). The raid exposed over 650 victims of human trafficking who were enticed to the complex under false employment promises and forced to work under threats and coercion.
In Vietnam, police dismantled a sophisticated gambling network facilitating daily transactions worth US$800,000. The network utilized servers in multiple countries and employed complex bank account networks for money laundering.
Utilization of Mule Accounts
In Thailand, law enforcement seized assets valued at US$9 million from an illegal gambling and money laundering network, as per Interpol. In Greece, a similar network controlled 3,000 fake and “mule” user accounts on legal gambling websites across Greece, Cyprus, and Spain.
These accounts were created using stolen identity documents and forged papers to funnel proceeds from illegal gambling through legitimate platforms.
Additionally, Interpol highlighted the connection between illegal gambling and match-fixing.
With rampant illegal gambling, it becomes easier for corrupt individuals to influence games, hence the focus of SOGA X on detecting and disrupting any manipulation signals,” the agency emphasized.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to the agency.