Cyprus authorities are launching a new plan for fighting online gambling. The campaign will last from December the 10th until January the 13th and will include homes, traditional coffee-shops and clubs. This measure has come alongside tackling other major issues on Cyprus such as high crime rates and illegal immigration.
The spokesperson for the local police force, Andreas Angelides, confirmed that police efforts will be aimed at intensifying this campaign on Christmas holidays due to the increase of online gambling during the festivities.
Mr. Angelides stated that “there is a specific roadmap and plan”, referring to the measures to make online gambling illegal within the island. Last Friday night, the Cypriot police searched over 10 betting shops across the island, confiscating computers, printers and money.
17 people, ages 23 to 50, have already been arrested on the charges of real money poker gambling. The police have also confiscated 3,901 in cash, two tables, cards and tokens. The betting shop’s supervisor has also been charged with managing football bets with no license whatsoever.
During 2012, the Cypriot police have searched 85 places, confiscating over 19,000 in cash, 100 computers and 65 printers, with a total of 103 people having been charged with illegal gambling.