High-tech fraud: Two men arrested for cheating in European casinos
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6 Aug 2024 •
Reading time: 2 minutes A highly sophisticated network of cheaters has just been dismantled. French authorities have arrested two individuals suspected of having defrauded numerous casinos across Europe using a cheating system of formidable ingenuity.
Near-perfect system
On the night of July 28 to 29, law enforcement arrested the two men in a casino in Enghien-les-Bains. Originally from Eastern countries, they are suspected of having developed a particularly elaborate cheating system, allowing them to systematically win considerable sums at the poker table.
Their modus operandi was simple, but extremely effective. One of the individuals, equipped with a tiny and almost undetectable earpiece, received instructions in real time from an accomplice posted outside the casino. The latter, thanks to a camera system hidden in the player’s mobile phone, had a direct view of the gaming table. The camera, placed using a complex device, made it possible to film the cards dealt by the dealer. He could thus transmit to his accomplice the information necessary to win each game.
According to initial estimates, this network managed to swindle several tens of thousands of euros per evening. Investigators also discovered numerous access cards to various European casinos, testifying to the scale of their activities.
A meticulous investigation
The discovery of this network is the result of a long-term investigation conducted by the police services specializing in gaming. The two men were indicted for organized fraud and placed in pretrial detention.
Investigators highlighted the particularly sophisticated nature of this cheating system, emphasizing the need for casinos to strengthen their security measures.
“We were able to document in detail a unique fraud system. This case should allow casinos to take measures to ensure that this type of scam can no longer take place by taking the appropriate measures.”
Stéphane Piallat, head of the central racing and gaming department (SCCJ) at the national directorate of the judicial police (DNPJ)
This case highlights the constant evolution of the methods used by cheaters. Casinos will now have to be extra vigilant to counter these new forms of fraud and preserve the integrity of their games.