Officers from the Warsaw II District Police and the National Revenue Administration have dismantled an illegal gambling network across the Mokotów, Ursynów, and Wilanów districts, seizing 80 machines and detaining 15 individuals.
Coordinated Raids Across Warsaw Districts
Officers from the Economic Crime Department, supported by investigative and patrol units, targeted 18 locations known for illegal gambling. The operation utilized specialized police dogs to secure the premises during simultaneous raids in Mokotów, Ursynów, and Wilanów.
On the first day, law enforcement entered 10 locations, seizing 45 Hot-Spot machines. Ten people were arrested, including seven Ukrainian citizens aged 19 to 55 and three Polish women aged 34 to 64.
Arrests and Additional Criminal Findings
During the searches, police uncovered secondary illegal activity. One 34-year-old woman was wanted on three arrest warrants and faced a prison sentence of one year and seven months. Additionally, one Ukrainian citizen was residing in Poland illegally, while another was found in possession of marijuana. Officers also seized approximately 13,800 PLN in cash.
The following day, police raided eight more locations, seizing 35 additional machines and 22,800 PLN in cash. Five more individuals—two Poles, one Belarusian, and two Ukrainians—were detained. Evidence including mobile phones, surveillance recorders, and documentation was also confiscated.
Legal Consequences and Enforcement Priorities
Over the two-day operation, police secured 80 gambling machines and a total of 36,500 PLN. All suspects have been charged with operating illegal gambling games, which can result in prison sentences of up to three years and administrative fines of 100,000 PLN per machine.
Authorities emphasized that illegal gambling is often linked to organized crime, money laundering, and drug trafficking. Combatting this illicit activity remains a priority to protect the state budget and ensure public safety, with further operations already being planned.
