Illegal Gambling Faces Charges
Due to the closure of land-based gambling establishments during the pandemic, illegal gambling meetings have been on the rise. Police raids in North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony, and Berlin have led to several charges being filed against the participants. These charges include fines and even up to five years in prison due to Corona Protection Ordinances.
Illegal Gambling in Solingen
The closure of all gambling halls in Germany due to the Coronavirus pandemic seems to have prompted illegal gambling in backrooms. Three federal states had instances of this last week. For example, the police conducted a raid in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, on Thursday night (2nd April). Though they were initially called to a closed restaurant based on an anonymous tip, they discovered 16 people gambling illegally in a well-lit backroom.
The 44-year-old operator, along with the 15 other individuals aged between 29 and 51, were caught participating in the illegal activity. They came from Solingen and its neighboring towns, including Krefeld, Willich, Tönisvorst, Mönchengladbach, Hückeswagen, Oberhausen, and Langenfeld. The police seized gaming equipment and filed charges for illegal gambling. Additionally, an unauthorized gathering was held, which violated the Corona Protection Ordinance.
Public Appeal
The police warned that everyone involved faces criminal proceedings, including fines. The restaurant's operator could face a fine of up to 5,000 euros. Participation in these events also carries a fine of up to 400 euros. Severer penalties, including prison sentences of up to five years, are also possible. The police urged the public to follow the rules for the safety of their fellow citizens and society.
Casino in Dresden
The very next day, another incident occurred in the capital of Saxony, Dresden. A casino on Leipziger Straße was inspected following an anonymous tip. Investigators found several criminal and administrative offenses, including the establishment being open against the "general decree of the Saxon State Ministry for Social Affairs and Social Cohesion".
At least seven people were discovered gambling in the casino despite the coronavirus restrictions. Charges were filed against the operator and the eight guests for violating the Infection Protection Act. One visitor was caught with a one-hand knife, violating the Weapons Act. Additionally, a 30-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were arrested for suspected narcotics trafficking. They were found with around seven grams of crystal and 1,600 euros in cash.
Corona Controls in Berlin
The State Criminal Police Office's "Cigarettes" task force was deployed in Berlin to check for compliance with the coronavirus protection regulations in the Neukölln district. They discovered an illegal casino, disguised as a hairdressing salon, where gambling activities were happening. The investigators seized two charges and confiscated an illegal gaming machine.
A shisha bar on Maybachufer and a "barely visible bar" on Johannisthaler Chaussee were also checked. Police found a dozen people playing cards through taped windows, but they refused to answer the doorbell or knock. When the door was forced open, six people were found, and two more were discovered in a closet. After seizing two illegal gaming machines, the premises were locked and sealed. Charges were brought for illegal gambling and offenses relating to the Narcotics Act and the Infection Protection Act. Criminal proceedings for tax fraud are also ongoing.
Conclusion
The pandemic has heavily impacted the land-based gambling industry in Germany, leading to the closure of various establishments. The police are cracking down on illegal gambling meetings, and the participants could face fines or even prison sentences.
Thanks to the countrywide lockdowns, there has been an upsurge in illegal gambling events. With over 95,000 cases of pneumonia virus contracted, as per the Robert Koch Institute, lifting the measures any time soon seems highly unlikely. While many players are now opting for trustworthy online casinos, more unlawful activities are predicted to follow.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
