The Colombian gaming authority, Coljuegos, conducted surprise inspections at 11 locations in Santiago de Cali, Sucre, and Despachos. During these raids, officials seized 59 illicit gambling devices and confiscated 1.4 billion Colombian pesos (roughly £261,894/€305,611).
The raids were a collaborative effort between the Valle de Cauca government and the national law enforcement agency.
Individuals apprehended during the operation will be subject to a penalty of 4 million Colombian pesos (approximately £764.52/€892.35).
“Coljuegos and local officials are dedicated to combating unlawful gambling activities,” stated Carlos Andrés Sarate, Coljuegos’ manager responsible for overseeing illegal operations. “Unlawful gambling poses a significant threat to Colombian communities.”
Each electronic gaming machine discovered will incur a fine of 72.6 million Colombian pesos.
Each illicit gambling establishment, sales outlet, store, or supplier will be fined 272.5 million Colombian pesos.
Violators will be prohibited from participating in gambling activities for a period of five years and face a prison sentence ranging from 6 to 8 years under Article 312 of the Criminal Code.
Sarate announced the establishment of a new committee tasked with combating illegal gambling operations.
In Cali today, a new Interagency Committee was established to combat unlawful gambling activities. This initiative fulfills a pledge made by Governor Clara Luz Roldán to enhance lawfulness in the region.
Last week, Coljuegos seized 274 pieces of illicit gambling equipment and 71.1 billion pesos during multiple raids in Bogotá and Montería.
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