Cyprus Police Raided Two Internet Gambling shops in Nicosia

Last Friday, Police have conducted raids in two online gambling shops located in the Engomi and Lakatamia suburbs of Nicosia, Cyprus. These raids were pursuant to Cyprus ban on online gambling which came into effect a few days ago.

Police spokesperson Michalis Katsounotos asserted “The operations will be intensified in view of the holidays and will cover all of the districts with some of the operations taking place in premises where investigations have already taken place.”

After the raid in Engomi, police officers confiscated 27 desktop computers, 1 laptop computer, 5 outside security cameras and an additional computer which stored the CCTV footage, 3 checks and cash. Statements were taken from eight witnesses, including the manager and the owner of the online gambling shop.

Following the raid in Lakatami, evidence demonstrated illicit internet betting in Cyprus occurred at the location. Included in this were computers which transformed into gambling machines. The police confiscated another 14 desktop computers and additional checks and cash.

Furthermore, last Friday it was revealed that the police are now supplying information about internet gambling site owners to the Inland Revenue Department with the hope of catching tax evaders.

According to authorities, internet gambling in Cyprus has a turnover of €2.5 billion. A bill to outlaw internet gambling was sent before the European Commission last June, but the response expected December 15th still hasn’t arrived.