Austria's vending machine criminal gang: armed conflicts
Law enforcement officers dealing with financial crimes are facing an alarming rise in violence. There have been incidents of electrified doors and the use of irritant gas.
In 2012, Austria changed its gambling laws, issuing licenses only to Austrian-based companies like Novomatic and its subsidiaries. This was intended to regulate the gambling industry for player protection, but a strong black market has developed since then, particularly in the form of illegal gaming machines seen in places like pubs and gas stations.
This has created a dangerous atmosphere. Talk of a "slot machine mafia" - organized groups replacing confiscated machines within hours - has emerged. To clamp down harder on these criminals, laws were tightened again at the beginning of 2017. However, these tactics have provoked a violent response.
After reports of vending machines being concreted to thwart police attempts at removal, next-level threats are being reported. Financial police inspectors are now encountering more hostile situations. Makeshift devices that release irritant gas when opened have been identified. Additionally, some illegal locations are secured with heavy-duty doors, requiring the assistance of regular police or a locksmith to enter. In some cases, these doors are electrified as soon as officers arrive. Moreover, a smoke grenade was discovered during a raid. The gambling mafia relies on a sophisticated surveillance system to identify law enforcement agents well in advance and over a prolonged period.
But despite these challenges, both politicians and police officers are optimistic and determined:
"The violent resistance from illegal gambling operators will not deter us from resolutely continuing our joint efforts." - Wilfried Lehner, Chief of the Financial Police
To enhance cooperation, the financial and regular police forces plan to work more closely together. Finance Minister Hartwig Löger told Kronen-Zeitung, "In the face of the most challenging circumstances, these officers are delivering an invaluable service to society, particularly with regard to player protection."
It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds and if authorities will escalate their tactics even further. Nevertheless, Austria's ongoing war against the gambling mafia can be considered a success, with over 2,800 machines seized during 3,000 inspections last year, and almost 53 million euros in fines issued.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
