Berlin Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling with Major Raids

Over 400 officers searched 80 locations, seizing 160 gambling machines in a coordinated effort to disrupt organized crime revenue streams.

Berlin authorities conducted extensive raids targeting illegal gambling operations at Spätis, cafés, and snack bars across the city.
The operation involved over 400 police officers and officials, confiscating 160 gambling machines suspected of generating up to €5 million in illegal revenue.
The targeted company failed to pay required amusement taxes on machines authorized at 80 locations, leading to enforcement action.
This effort is part of a 2023 initiative promoting inter-agency collaboration to combat organized crime by seizing illicit assets and disrupting revenue streams.
Justice Senator Felor Badenberg emphasized the importance of weakening organized crime by confiscating illegal profits, with Berlin recovering €8.8 million in 2024 alone.