Raid in East Frisia: Illegal gambling and clan structures exposed!

Raid in East Frisia: Illegal gambling and clan structures exposed!

East Frisia in the focus of the police!In a spectacular operation late in the evening of November 9, 2024, over 400 emergency services searched numerous objects in the districts of Aurich, Wittmund, Leer and Friesland as well as in Emden. The raid targeted suspects suspected of committing illegal gambling and other crimes. The large-scale operation was coordinated by the Osnabrück public prosecutor's office, the Aurich/Wittmund police station, the Oldenburg main customs office and the Oldenburg tax investigation department.

The searches were preceded by months of investigations aimed at people from the clan milieu. They are said to have operated illegal slot machines in publicly accessible establishments such as shisha bars and arcades. Not only are these machines unregulated, but they are also a danger to players as they offer no protection against gambling addiction. It is estimated that the state loses around three billion euros in revenue every year due to these illegal activities!

Massive confiscations and legal consequences

The emergency services searched over 20 properties, including restaurants and private homes. 30 illegal slot machines worth several hundred thousand euros as well as poker and gaming tables, large sums of cash and a luxurious vehicle were seized. Fire safety violations were also discovered in a shisha bar in Aurich, which led to the bar's immediate closure.

The investigations also uncovered labor law violations. 18 violations were found in the suspects' companies, including 14 violations of the minimum wage law. Two criminal cases for withholding wages and two more for illegal employment were initiated. At the same time, arrest warrants for a sum in the six-figure range were executed. The investigation is ongoing and may reveal further criminal activity!