Law Enforcement Union (GdP) advocates for the expanse of specialized investigators and enhanced strategies in combat against unlawful betting activities.
In a public announcement, the chairperson of the German Police Union (DPG), Jochen Kopelke, has advocated for an expansion in the number of investigators focused on curbing unlawful gambling activities. Additionally, Kopelke voiced his concerns over the current training programs and called for enhancements.
Kopelke believes there's a shortage of specialists solely dedicated to investigating illegal gambling and linked criminal networks, as mentioned in the official communique.
He stresses the necessity of recruiting more personnel to combat the escalating criminality in the gaming sector:
Only by deploying more and particularly specialized law enforcement agents can the architects of illicit gambling be brought to a halt. – Jochen Kopelke, Chairperson of the DPG, Source: Police Union**
Sources suggest that the police force is not only undersized but also lacks the necessary expertise. Continuing education is essential to equip specialists with the specific skills required for combating gambling-related crimes.
Misleading Successes
Yesterday, it was reported that the police in Wiesbaden had dealt a significant blow to illegal gambling. During this operation, investigators confiscated €75,000 in cash and initiated 13 criminal proceedings as part of a multidisciplinary raid control.
Such reports are common in Germany. However, this should not downplay the evidently high number of unreported offenses.
DPGCN Warns of Potential Legalization of Gambling
For several months, there have been discussions regarding whether illegal gambling should continue to be categorized as a crime (§§ 284 ff. StGB) or if other criminal offenses, such as fraud or tax evasion, can be effectively combated without it.
However, the DPG strongly recommends expanding the current legal framework:
Besides a more straightforward legal setup, police work would significantly benefit from expanded investigative tools such as telecommunications surveillance. – Jochen Kopelke, Chairperson of the DPG, Source: Police Union**
Kopelke emphasized that the police would greatly appreciate additional "catalog offenses" related to illegal gambling, facilitating the untangling and clarification of the complex legal structure involved.
Are the Penalties Inadequate?
Kopelke noted that in most cases, only fines are imposed, which the offenders can swiftly recoup using illegal gaming devices at alternative locations.
Moreover, during raids targeting illegal gambling venues, the on-site operators are typically the only ones held accountable – not the masterminds, often connected to organized crime.
Should gambling be legalized, this might further empower criminals. As a result, it remains to be seen whether politicians will heed the DPG's demands and provide more resources and measures to combat illegal gambling in Germany.
In light of the discussed potential legalization of gambling, Kopelke suggests that expanding the legal framework could provide the police with more investigative tools, such as telecommunications surveillance, to combat illegal activities in online casinos Germany more effectively.
Despite the reported operations against illegal gambling, there remains a concern about the unreported offenses in online casinos Germany, highlighting the need for more specialized personnel and resources.
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