Millions in raid against illegal gambling in Paderborn
On December 23, the Paderborn police and public prosecutor's office reported on a comprehensive operation against operators of illegal gambling establishments, which had already been carried out on December 12. Not only was evidence secured, but assets and property worth around 2,3 million euros were also confiscated. The operation was directed against a 45-year-old main suspect and three suspected accomplices.
Six illegal, presumably manipulated gaming machines were discovered and confiscated at the Brilon gaming venue. The Paderborn Technical Relief Agency was responsible for transporting the heavy equipment.
In addition, luxury goods worth millions were seized during searches of the main suspect’s apartments, including:
- Three luxury vehicles with a total value of around 500.000 euros
- Several Rolex watches
- Other high-value items
Financial investigators from Bielefeld and bailiffs from the Paderborn District Court were also deployed to identify usable items.
First indications two years ago
The investigation against the main suspect began two years ago when the police carried out an operation as part of a criminal investigation into illegal gambling. A gaming venue disguised as a club, run by the Paderborn resident with Turkish roots, was discovered at the time. After the investigation was concluded, the accused initially did not appear to be carrying out any further illegal activities.
But later the officers received new information about organized illegal gambling. The Paderborn criminal police resumed their investigations and were able to identify two suspicious gambling venues in Paderborn-Stadtheide and Brilon in the Hochsauerland district.
Secret investigations and planning of access
During the undercover investigation, it emerged that the main suspect had now amassed a fortune worth millions. Court orders were obtained in cooperation with the public prosecutor's office to secure the illegally acquired assets. On the evening of December 12, the raids took place simultaneously in several locations: in the illegal gaming venues and in the suspects' homes. In addition to the Paderborn police, officers from the Hochsauerland district and police units from Bochum and Cologne were involved. Two of the suspects, the 45-year-old and a 32-year-old man, were provisionally arrested.
In addition to the police and public prosecutor's office, municipal regulatory authorities were also involved to investigate violations of local regulations. Overall, the case shows the close cooperation between various authorities in the fight against illegal gambling. However, the investigations in this case are not yet complete. According to the police and public prosecutor's office, they are still investigating the extent to which the suspects are responsible for further illegal activities.
