In a major global crackdown on illegal gambling during the upcoming Euro 2024 football championships, thousands of individuals have been arrested in multiple countries, as authorities work together to stamp out illegal betting networks.
The operation, which involved law enforcement agencies from countries all over the world, was launched in response to concerns about the potential for match-fixing and other forms of corruption during the high-profile tournament. Officials have warned that the scale of the illegal gambling industry poses a serious threat to the integrity of the sport, and have emphasized the need for a coordinated international response.
In a statement, the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) announced that over 3,000 individuals have been arrested in connection with illegal gambling activities. The arrests were made as part of a series of raids targeting underground betting networks that operate outside of regulatory frameworks. According to EC3, these networks have been found to have links to organized crime groups, and are believed to be involved in a range of criminal activities, including money laundering, fraud, and corruption.
Authorities have also seized millions of dollars worth of assets, including cash, cars, and properties, from those arrested. In addition, a number of high-profile figures in the world of football have been implicated in the investigation, with several facing charges related to their alleged involvement in illegal gambling activities.
In response to the arrests, UEFA has issued a statement pledging to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the integrity of the Euro 2024 championships. “UEFA takes the issue of match-fixing and illegal gambling very seriously, and we will do everything in our power to protect the integrity of our competitions,” the statement read.
The crackdown on illegal gambling comes as part of a wider effort by authorities to combat corruption in football. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of match-fixing and other forms of corruption in the sport, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.
As the Euro 2024 championships approach, authorities are urging fans to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. With the eyes of the world on the tournament, the stakes have never been higher in the fight against illegal gambling and corruption in football.
