Cyprus’ British bases lauded the successful end of their four-year crackdown on illegal casino activities conducted within their jurisdiction
The British Forces Cyprus stationed in Cyprus’ Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) of Akrotiri and Dhekelia said during a Tuesday press event that they have successfully clamped down on all illegal gambling operations within their jurisdiction.
The British bases launched a crackdown on illegal casinos in 2014. During the Tuesday press event at the Akrotiri police station, Superintendent Dinos Petrou said that all illicit activities have been eradicated.
Mr. Petrou went on to say that they have invested a “considerable amount of police hours to combating this crime” and lauded the “outstanding work of our officers” and their partners at the Cyprus Police, “who have played a major role alongside us.”
The Tuesday event marked the end of a four-year operation carried out by the bases. SBA authorities launched the clampdown in 2014 after spotting nine illegal casinos operating within their jurisdiction.
The crackdown included multiple raids, arrests, confiscation of equipment and cash, and legal actions.
British base authorities seized more than €31,000 in cash, imprisoned ten individuals for their participation in the illegal gambling activities and fined heavily 30 others for their wrongdoings. The operation also saw more than €100,000 being paid out in bails over thee past few years.
Helping Local Schools
During their raids, British base authorities confiscated more than 1,500 personal computers that were used for the operation of illegal gambling by the involved individuals. The computers were wiped clean and a number of them were donated to local schools.
Mr. Petrou said Tuesday that they have established good relationships with many of the schools both in and outside the SBAs, so they decided to help local students with their education by donating equipment they would be able to use on a daily basis.
Authorities admitted their efforts to purge the illegal gambling operations hit many roadblocks. Many of the targeted casinos were built in areas near or partly falling within the jurisdiction of Cypriot authorities. This necessitated their joint work with the Cyprus Police.
Mr. Petrou said they will remain vigilant against any renewed illegal gambling activity and that those breaching the law will be prosecuted harshly even after Great Britain’s exit from the European Union.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong gaming and hospitality giant Melco Resorts & Entertainment has broken ground on its City of Dreams Mediterranean integrated resort in the Cypriot city of Limassol. The luxury property is expected to open doors in 2021 and to become the first Las Vegas-style casino complex on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
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