Interpol labels the operation an excellent base for security cooperation for Beijing Olympics.
Police across Asia have made more than 1300 arrests in an operation led by the international police organization Interpol against illegal football gambling.
Operation Soga cont.
The operation, dubbed Operation Soga (Soccer Gambling) Wave
II, was carried out by police forces from China - including Hong Kong and the
gambling haven Macau - Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam,
and was designed to coincide with June's Euro 2008 football championships and
the end of the season for most major football leagues.
Millions and billions
1088 gambling dens were raided during the two-month
operation, with police seizing a total of $16.8 million and finding $1.45
billion worth of betting records.
The first Operation Soga was conducted in October and November 2007, but the new Operation Soga saw three times more arrests and the seizure of 25 times more cash than the original.
Mission
accomplished
"The effect
this operation has achieved is substantial, not only in terms of breaking up
illegal gambling dens and criminal networks, but in demonstrating the impact
that co-operation through Interpol internationally can have at the national and
local levels," said Jean-Michel Louboutin, Executive Director of Police
Services at the Lyon, France-based Interpol.
He added that the operation provided an excellent base for security cooperation with the Chinese police leading into the Beijing Olympics, which begin August 8.
Gambling legality
Betting on sports
is restricted or banned in most countries in South-East Asia, although black
market bookmakers exist even in places with more liberal gambling laws, such as
the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Macau.
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Baccarat
Craps
Poker
