Dozens of illegal slot machines. Authorities bust gambling gang

The services have broken up a gang involved in illegal trade. Several dozen slot machines were seized, 9 people were detained and charged. The gang operated in three provinces: Lublin, Mazovia and Podkarpackie.

The action was attended by officers of the Lublin National Revenue Administration and police officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation in Radom.

The spokeswoman for the head of the National Revenue Administration, Asp. Justyna Pasieczyńska, said that the gang operated in three provinces: Lublin, Mazovia and Subcarpathia. The group operated, among others, in Lublin, Kraśnik, Janów Lubelski, Opole Lubelskie, Chełm, Zamość, Łęczna, Dęblin, Warsaw, Otwock, Wólka Kosowska, Zielonka, Stalowa Wola and Gorzyce.

The spokesman for the Central Bureau of Investigation of the Police, Deputy Commissioner Krzysztof Wrześniowski, said that as part of joint inspections, officers searched warehouses, residential buildings and commercial premises.

"Dozens of illegal gaming machines were seized, as well as computer equipment, data carriers and specialist software used to produce them," he added.

The inspected warehouses constituted logistical facilities where illegal gaming devices were stored, repaired and assembled.

The group organized and supervised illegal gambling, manufactured slot machines, and acquired and adapted premises for the needs of illegal casinos. It also organized and trained staff to operate such casinos, installed security systems, including surveillance cameras.

"Charges have been brought against 9 people. They are Polish citizens. They face a fine or imprisonment or both. The assets of those detained have been secured in the amount of almost PLN 430,000," Pasieczyńska noted.

At the beginning of July, KAS closed down 23 illegal gambling parlors in Mazovia. 25 people were detained - citizens of Poland, Moldova, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Belarus.

During the March operation, 35 illegal gaming parlors were closed down in Warsaw and the surrounding counties. 196 slot machines and over PLN 358,000 in cash were seized. (PAP)

mass/ agz/