Polish Police Confiscate Illegal Slot Machines and Cash Stashed in Children’s Toys

(AsiaGameHub) –   A series of raids targeting suspected illegal gambling venues took place in Warsaw, Piaseczno, and Grodzisk.

Poland – Reports indicate that police have dismantled an illegal cross-border gambling ring following the discovery of unlicensed slot machines during raids in Warsaw, Piaseczno, and Grodzisk. Six individuals are believed to have been taken into custody.

Law enforcement officials are said to have searched eight apartments and 13 business premises suspected of housing illegal gambling activities. They seized 57 slot machines and over 350,000 złoty (approximately €82,000) in multiple currencies, a large portion of which was hidden inside stuffed toys.

Per a statement issued by the Finance Ministry on Friday (today), investigators also found 25 grams of marijuana at one of the sites.

Among those arrested is the purported leader of the operation—a 44-year-old Polish national with a previous assault conviction, according to reports. The other five detained individuals consist of three Polish men and two Ukrainian citizens (one man and one woman). All six were taken to the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office, where they face charges of being part of an organized criminal group and running illegal gambling operations.

Two of the suspects are in pre-trial detention, while the remaining four are under police supervision. Additionally, 11 employees thought to be linked to the gambling venues face charges for engaging in unlawful gaming operations. Authorities note that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests may be made.