Police bust €20 million illegal gambling operation

Europol, the law enforcement agency of the European Union, joined forces with police in Sweden and Spain to carry out coordinated strikes on a violent criminal network running illegal gambling operations.

The joint effort took place 28-29 November in locations in both Sweden and Spain. However, Europol said the criminal network in question operates in the Stockholm area of Sweden.

Europol said the criminal group runs illegal gambling operations and launders “significant” criminal proceeds. During the raids, police discovered an illegal gambling operation with an estimated annual turnover of €20 million ($23.2 million).

Evidence was also found related to money laundering services for the network and other criminal groups. This, the agency added, was being used for its own benefit and for other criminal actors, with additional links to drug trafficking in Sweden and across the Nordics.

Illegal gambling probe leads to five arrests

The coordinated strike saw almost 150 police officers search six premises in Sweden and two in the Spanish city of Murcia. Police arrested five suspects, including three in Sweden and two in Spain.

Police also seized several hundred thousand euros’ worth of valuable items, including luxury watches and cash. In addition, during a search of a property in Sweden, which police said was being used as an illegal gambling club, authorities seized drugs prepared for resale and found signs of possible human trafficking.

“The suspects form the core of a local criminal network known for its use of violence and intimidation, allowing the group to secure revenues, enforce debts and control sections of the illegal gambling market in the Stockholm area,” Europol said.

“By offering services to other criminals, the group operated as a key facilitator within the wider criminal environment.”

Europol committed to wider criminal clampdown

The agency said the strike is part of a wider, multi-agency strategy to “systematically” dismantle networks that harm local communities while relying on international criminal connections.

“Europol plays a central role in this approach by linking international intelligence with local enforcement actions,” the agency said. “By connecting national authorities across borders, Europol ensures that information collected in one jurisdiction can be turned into operational impact in another – including on the streets of Stockholm.”