Strike against illegal gambling: 165 financial police officers and tax inspectors struck at 16 locations in Upper and Lower Austria. Hundreds of machines, computers and large amounts of cash were seized. A warehouse in the Linz-Land district is said to have served as a workshop for the gang.
The Public Prosecution Service for Economy and Corruption accuses the internationally active group of perpetrators of tax fraud, organized undeclared work and social benefit fraud. Various illegal gambling establishments were probably always well attended, because the researchers found that more than ten million euros were evaded in gambling taxes and sales tax alone.
Operation “Ikarus”
The perpetrators disguised the property using a network of front companies and fake homes; the illegal machines were controlled and monitored from Greece – which is why the operation was also called ‘Icarus’.
Also fraud on social security
But the gang wasn’t just dodging taxes; Social contributions amounting to several hundreds of thousands of euros were also not paid. Several suspects are also said to have received unemployment benefits while performing their lucrative work in the illegal gambling establishments.
Locally well controlled
The suspects are said to have repaired and maintained the machines in a warehouse in the Linz-Land district; the buildings were all equipped with electronic access restrictions and video surveillance to thwart official controls. “Illegal gambling offers no player protection and can destroy livelihoods,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
