INTERPOL’s global operation to battle illegal soccer betting resulted in 5,100 arrests and the seizure of $59m. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

INTERPOL has revealed the results of a worldwide crackdown on illegal soccer gambling, which resulted in over 5,100 arrests and the seizure of $59m.

The SOGA X operation took place in June and July to specifically combat illegal online betting on the UEFA 2024 tournament; the police organization worked alongside law enforcement in 28 nations and territories.

rescue of hundreds of human trafficking victims

Some other positive outcomes of the operation were the closure of thousands of illegal online platforms, the uncovering of major money laundering operations, and the rescue of hundreds of human trafficking victims.

INTERPOL helped dismantle a gambling operation in Vietnam that handled $800,000 per day and used an intricate network of e-wallets and bank accounts to manage the payments. Another major win was in Thailand, where raids on two locations led to the seizure of assets worth more than $9m.

The biggest case of human trafficking was in the Philippines, where the authorities helped over 650 victims who were given false promises of employment at a scam center that also focused on illegal gambling. These people had to work against their will.

Talking about the success of the operation, INTERPOL Police Services Executive Director Stephen Kavanagh said it was not possible without “global information sharing and significant efforts by law enforcement authorities on the ground.”