Police in Birmingham, England, shut down illegal gambling venues where infrared cameras were used to track marked poker cards and cheat players. Police said international students are often targeted by organised crime groups at illegal gambling events, where they may be drawn into further criminal activity.
The operation highlights risks for visitors to illegal poker venues and police efforts to address them.
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Cardiff Crown Court sentenced Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis on 2 October after they admitted possessing and transferring criminal property linked to poker operations in Cardiff. Each received a three-year prison term suspended for three years; investigators identified about £384,000 in third-party payments between them from August 2022 to February 2024.
It was reported that a joint operation searched two venues in central Doncaster. Operation Snaresbrook closed two illegal gaming premises and resulted in eight arrests.
The Gambling Commission supported South Yorkshire Police operations in Sheffield and Doncaster on 4 and 5 August. Officers found 16 illegal betting terminals, cash and gold, and arrested three people; the action involved several regional and local partners.
According to the regulator's notice, the Gambling Commission backed a joint police effort in Sheffield and Doncaster aimed at unlawful betting and suspected organised crime. The activity took place on 4 and 5 August under Operation Duxford and Operation Snaresbrook.
UKGC reported that police arrested two people on suspicion of gambling offences in Bristol and subsequently released both on bail. Harbourside officers searched Lower College Street premises on 10 July with UKGC enforcement staff and SWROCU.
Reportedly, South Yorkshire Police conducted raids targeting illicit gambling in Sheffield and Doncaster. Officers seized gold and cash during two days of operations on 4 and 5 August, with three people arrested.