18/12/2025
Two Arrested In Crackdown On Illegal Online Gaming
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Branch carried out a series of searches today, Wednesday 17 December, resulting in the arrest of two individuals in the Belfast and Craigavon areas.
A 43-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were taken into custody. They have been arrested on suspicion of organising or managing prohibited gaming, converting or concealing criminal property, and involvement in arrangements concerning criminal property. As of now, both suspects remain in police custody.
The operation was supported by the Economic Crime Unit as part of a wider investigation into the operation of illegal online gaming platforms.
Detective Inspector Peter MacCionaoith of the PSNI Economic Crime Unit commented: "Today's searches and arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into illegal online gaming. It may appear that this type of criminality is a victimless crime, but I would like to remind people that it is not.
"In Northern Ireland organising prohibited gaming is an illegal offence under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and anyone involved will be detected, investigated and ultimately prosecuted."
A 43-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were taken into custody. They have been arrested on suspicion of organising or managing prohibited gaming, converting or concealing criminal property, and involvement in arrangements concerning criminal property. As of now, both suspects remain in police custody.
Detective Inspector Peter MacCionaoith of the PSNI Economic Crime Unit commented: "Today's searches and arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into illegal online gaming. It may appear that this type of criminality is a victimless crime, but I would like to remind people that it is not.
"In Northern Ireland organising prohibited gaming is an illegal offence under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and anyone involved will be detected, investigated and ultimately prosecuted."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.