South Yorkshire police have confiscated over £110,000 ($148,522) in cash along with a substantial quantity of gold during coordinated raids targeting illegal gambling operations in Sheffield and Doncaster.
The enforcement activity, which took place on the nights of 4-5 August, formed part of broader operations codenamed Duxford and Snaresbrook, aiming to tackle unlawful betting and related criminal activities.
The joint operation, involving South Yorkshire Police, the Gambling Commission, the Yorkshire & Humber Regional and Organised Crime Unit, local authorities and immigration enforcement, utilised weeks of intelligence and strategic planning to execute the raids.
Searches conducted at premises on London Road in Sheffield and Silver Street in Doncaster uncovered 16 illegal betting terminals. Significant quantities of gold, including bars, coins and jewellery, were also recovered.
Three individuals were arrested during the operation on suspicion of gambling offences as well as possession of a bladed article and immigration offences.
Not a ‘victimless crime’
Inspector Amy Mellor of South West Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasised the significance of multi-agency collaboration, describing the operation as “a true example of partnership working at its best”.
She warned that the crackdown on illegal gambling would be ongoing, noting that these activities “can fund other activity linked to organised crime” and confirming that investigations and enforcement efforts will continue.
“Illegal gambling isn’t a victimless crime. Unlicensed operators often have links to wider criminal activity, exploit vulnerable people and undermine legitimate regulated businesses,” added Sue Young, Gambling Commission executive director of operations.
“This action should send a clear message – if you’re running an illegal gambling operation we will work with police and other partners to shut you down and ensure you face serious consequences.”
Richard Eyre, director of Street Scene and Regulations at Sheffield City Council, underlined the role of local licensing teams in gathering evidence pertinent to gambling regulation, licensing, safeguarding, public safety and crime prevention.
Raid after raid
This is the second illegal gambling raid conducted in part by the Gambling Commission in the last few weeks. Two individuals were arrested following an operation targeting an alleged illegal casino in Bristol. A 36-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman were taken into custody on suspicion of gambling offences.
A similar raid at the start of June reported that gambling tables, chips, records, account books, alcohol and other material were found at premises in Manchester.
In late July, the Gambling Commission upgraded the money laundering risk level of the gambling software sector from low to medium. This adjustment, according to the Commission’s AML report, reflected the cross-border nature of software supply and the risk of licensed software being resold or supplied to unlicensed operators.
Peer-to-peer gambling products, including poker and betting exchanges, were also singled out as heightened money laundering risks.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/cash-and-gold-seized-in-illegal-gambling-raid-in-south-yorkshire/
