Global Crackdown on Illegal Gambling During Euro 2024 Leads to Thousands of Arrests

A coordinated police crackdown targeting illegal sports gambling during the UEFA 2024 European Football Championship has resulted in over 5,000 arrests and the disruption of thousands of illegal websites, according to Interpol.

The operation, known as SOGA X, took place in June and July and involved law enforcement agencies from 28 countries. During the crackdown, authorities seized more than $59 million in illegal funds and shut down tens of thousands of illicit gambling sites.

Interpol revealed that the operation also disrupted numerous scam centres connected to human trafficking and money laundering networks. These centres are often linked to online fraud schemes, including romance scams and financial cons like "pig butchering."

Southeast Asia remains a major hub for these illegal activities, with crime syndicates adapting their tactics to evade detection. A recent report by the U.N. warns that these groups are estimated to earn around $64 billion annually, with technology like generative AI helping them stay ahead of law enforcement.

In the Philippines, one of the scam centres dismantled was found to be operating alongside a legitimate gambling site. This action led to the rescue of over 650 human trafficking victims, including nearly 400 Filipinos and more than 250 foreign nationals from various countries.

Another significant bust in Vietnam shut down a gambling ring generating $800,000 daily, with servers based in multiple locations to evade detection. Similarly, raids in Thailand and Greece targeted illegal betting operations, including a sophisticated crime syndicate that managed thousands of fake accounts on legitimate gambling platforms.

The operation’s success underscores the global reach of illegal gambling networks and their links to broader criminal activities. Interpol vowed to continue its efforts to dismantle these syndicates and bring those responsible to justice.