On July 4, 2024, the Argentine judicial authorities conducted searches at two residences and confiscated some items in the investigation of Luis Daniel Acuña, who had collaborated with subscribers and cashiers in Santa Elena and La Paz to establish an illegal virtual casino. Acuña had previously discussed his activities in local media interviews, admitting their illegality, which led to the judicial investigation.
Under the orders of the La Paz City Protection Court, directed by Judge Walter Carballo, the Human Trafficking Department of the Investigation Bureau searched two residences: one at Hipólito Enrique Renaud 341 in the town of Santa Elena, frequented or resided by Acuña; and another at Los Pinos 3555 in La Paz, frequented or resided by Jesica Cañete. During the searches, prosecutors confiscated mobile phones, tablets, CPUs, netbooks, laptops, electronic storage devices (hard drives, USB drives, removable storage cards), and notes possibly related to the investigation.
The case was brought by the provincial regulatory body, the Institute of Social Action Financial Assistance Research (IAFAS). The agency reported that in an interview conducted in the city of Santa Elena with Luis Acuña, he revealed that he managed a virtual casino with over 300 subscribers and had cashiers working for him.
La Paz prosecutor Valentina Ayala stated, "This investigation was initiated by IAFAS personnel, who learned that some individuals were engaged in these activities and submitted a complaint to the Paraná prosecutor's office, which was later transferred to La Paz, as the individuals fall under this jurisdiction. The investigation then commenced, with the involvement of the Criminal Intelligence Department."
Ayala noted that the crime under investigation could lead to a sentence of 3 to 6 years in prison according to Article 301 bis of the Penal Code. However, she emphasized that this is a "novel" case due to its virtual nature and considered it "likely just the beginning of many such cases." She added, "Gambling addiction is a significant social issue, especially increasing among adolescents. It is a global alarm."
