Recently, the municipal police in Prato, Italy, conducted a raid on two illegal online gambling venues located in the Porta Pistoiese area and successfully sealed them. These two gambling dens, operated by Chinese, were disguised as closed commercial storefronts, appearing abandoned on the outside but secretly operating within. The police have imposed a total fine of 3,500 euros on the individuals involved.
The operation was initiated by the municipal police's commercial and administrative enforcement team, focusing on underground gambling activities hidden within residential areas. The enforcement officers found that both venues welcomed regulars through side doors equipped with cameras, with the main doors usually locked, showing strong disguise.
The first den was controlled by a Chinese man in his 60s, with six small compartments inside, each equipped with a networked computer allowing access to illegal gambling websites. The venue also had a terminal for exchanging game points, with all points purchased in cash and redeemable. The police seized about 2,000 euros in cash on site, found all transactions were manually recorded, and the accounts were organized daily. Additionally, two young Chinese alternated guarding the entrance to prevent outsiders from entering.
The second gambling spot was disguised as a legitimate shop registered for selling electronic devices, managed by a Chinese man around 45 years old. The interior structure was almost identical to the first, also equipped with six gaming terminals and a point management console. The police seized 1,400 euros in cash, along with the electronic equipment used for operations and detailed account books.
The enforcement officers quickly implemented control measures on both locations, sealing all electronic equipment, cash, and related evidence. The two managers of the venues will face further investigation and have already been subjected to heavy fines to deter similar illegal activities. The police stated that they will continue to strengthen the crackdown on underground gambling in the Prato area to prevent the spread of online gambling crimes.
