Global Crime Fighting Agency's Undercover Soccer Gambling Sting Nets 5,100 Arrests, $59 Million in Assets
In a coordinated effort to ensure the integrity of the upcoming UEFA 2024 tournaments, INTERPOL, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from 28 nations and territories, conducted Operation SOGA X in June and July 2024.
The operation, focused on combating illegal soccer gambling, resulted in a significant global impact. Over 5,100 arrests were made, and thousands of illegal online platforms were closed. One of the most notable successes was the dismantling of a gambling operation in Vietnam, which handled an estimated $800,000 per day. The operation's intricate network of e-wallets and bank accounts was also disrupted.
The operation also uncovered major money laundering operations and rescued hundreds of human trafficking victims, the largest of which was in the Philippines, where over 650 victims were rescued from a scam center focusing on illegal gambling. Raids on two locations in Thailand led to the seizure of assets worth more than $9m.
Stephen Kavanagh, INTERPOL Police Services Executive Director, commented on the operation's success, highlighting the significance of global information sharing in its execution. The operation marked a significant global effort to combat illegal online betting and related activities.
While the specific focus of the operation on the UEFA 2024 tournament and the operation's global impact were not explicitly detailed, it is clear that Operation SOGA X was a major step forward in the fight against illegal football betting and associated crimes. The victims of these crimes, such as those forced to work against their will in the Philippines, were also given a chance at freedom and justice.
