Probes into clandestine betting activities
In an effort to combat the growing issue of illegal gambling, the EK Fun (Ermittlungskommission Fun) commission in Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, has been actively working to eradicate unauthorised gambling activities.
Established in collaboration with local law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders, the EK Fun commission has been making significant strides in dismantling illegal gambling networks.
## Key Strategies and Measures
The commission's strategy revolves around intelligence gathering, targeted raids, legal and regulatory measures, public awareness campaigns, cross-border cooperation, and a focus on online illegal gambling.
### Intelligence Gathering and Surveillance
Undercover agents infiltrate illegal gambling networks, gathering vital intelligence, and identifying key operators. Advanced technology is used for monitoring suspicious gambling venues and online platforms, while data analytics help track patterns, suspicious transactions, and communication related to illegal gambling activities.
### Targeted Raids and Enforcement Actions
Planned raids on illegal gambling dens, betting shops, and unlicensed online gambling operators result in the confiscation of gambling machines, betting slips, and cash associated with illegal gambling. Arrests and prosecution of offenders ensure legal action against operators and facilitators.
### Legal and Regulatory Measures
Collaboration with regulatory authorities, licensing checks, and policy input are crucial in enforcing gambling laws and proposing stricter regulations.
### Public Awareness and Prevention Campaigns
Community outreach, partnerships with social services, and media campaigns aim to inform the public about the risks and legal consequences of participating in illegal gambling.
### Cross-Border and Regional Cooperation
Interstate collaboration with other German statesβ law enforcement agencies and international cooperation with foreign agencies help combat cross-border illegal gambling operations.
### Focus on Online Illegal Gambling
Online platforms, payment channels, and cyber units are targeted to tackle the technical aspects of online gambling violations.
## Impact and Outcomes
Since its inception, the EK Fun commission has made significant progress in reducing the number of illegal gambling establishments in Duisburg, enhancing the detection and prosecution rates of illegal gambling operators, and strengthening public trust in state efforts to regulate gambling.
In 2022 alone, more than 90 slot machines were seized in Duisburg, and following the search of 235 objects, there are now 85 cases involving illegal gambling, tax evasion, and violations of copyright and trademark law in Duisburg.
Alexander Dierselhuis, the police president of Duisburg and leader of "EK Fun," remains at the forefront of the fight against illegal gambling, with investigations into illegal gambling ongoing in the city.
- What is the EK Fun commission in Duisburg focusing on, as part of their strategies to combat illegal gambling? They're concentrating on online illegal gambling, intelligent gathering, targeted raids, legal and regulatory measures, public awareness campaigns, cross-border cooperation, and surveillance of suspicious gambling venues and online platforms.
- By investigating illegal gambling networks and conducting targeted raids on gambling dens, betting shops, and unlicensed online operators, the EK Fun commission has confiscated numerous slot machines and made a substantial number of arrests and prosecutions in relation to illegal gambling, tax evasion, and intellectual property law violations.
- Stay tuned for general news updates as the EK Fun commission in Duisburg continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to eradicate unauthorized casino-and-gambling activities and ensure a safer and more regulated casino-games environment in the city.
