Massive Crackdown on Illegal Football Gambling Leads to Over 5,100 Arrests and Recovery of $59 Million
Law enforcement agencies around the world have joined forces in a massive crackdown on illegal football gambling, resulting in over 5,100 arrests and the recovery of more than USD 59 million in illicit proceeds. The operation, known as SOGA X, took place from June to July 2024 and involved a collaborative effort from INTERPOL and 28 countries and territories.
The timing of the operation was strategic, coinciding with the UEFA 2024 European Football Championship, a period expected to see a surge in betting activities, particularly from organized crime groups profiting from illegal football gambling. The global illegal gambling market is estimated to be worth a staggering USD 1.7 trillion, with ties to various criminal activities such as human trafficking, money laundering, and fraud.
During SOGA X, authorities shut down thousands of illegal gambling websites and initiated investigations that led to the rescue of trafficked individuals and the exposure of sophisticated money laundering schemes. In the Philippines, over 650 human trafficking victims were rescued, including nearly 400 Filipinos and more than 250 foreign nationals from six different countries.
The operation extended beyond the Philippines, with significant arrests made in Vietnam, Thailand, and Greece. In Vietnam, authorities dismantled a complex gambling ring processing USD 800,000 in daily transactions, while in Thailand, key ringleaders of illegal betting sites were apprehended, and assets valued at over USD 9 million were seized.
SOGA X highlighted the interconnected nature of criminal activities associated with illegal gambling and emphasized the importance of global cooperation in combating organized crime. The ongoing investigations aim to disrupt manipulative practices like match-fixing and uphold the integrity of sports. As the ramifications of this operation continue to unfold, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in dismantling the infrastructure supporting illegal football gambling.