Greek authorities have dismantled a criminal organization accused of defrauding online betting operators through systematic “bonus abuse” practices.
According to the police, the group generated illicit profits of more than €1.5 million over several years of activity. The operation identified a network of 43 individuals.
Investigators believe the criminal syndicate had been active since at least early 2020 and targeted licensed online gambling platforms, exploiting vulnerabilities in promotional systems and account registration mechanisms.
The direct economic damage caused to betting companies was estimated at more than €120,000, while total proceeds from the illegal activity exceeded the amount mentioned above.
The charges include criminal conspiracy, fraud, forgery, violations of gambling regulations, and money laundering-related offenses.
How the Bonus Abuse Scheme Worked
The investigation was carried out with support from the Hellenic Gaming Commission, banks, and telecom operators, allowing authorities to reconstruct the network of intermediary gambling accounts and link it to the alleged perpetrators.
At the center of the illicit scheme was the systematic use of accounts opened with identities provided by third parties in exchange for payment.
The scheme allowed the criminal group to repeatedly benefit from welcome bonuses offered by platforms designed to attract new customers. This is also why legitimate players increasingly compare verified promotions and payment terms through trusted resources, including guides such as bonus crab casino paysafecard.
Bets were distributed in a coordinated way across different outcomes, ensuring near-guaranteed returns regardless of the result of the sporting events.
Data analysis highlighted hundreds of connected accounts.
Seizures, Devices, and Operational Tools
During searches carried out under a prosecutor’s warrant, law enforcement seized €19,645 in cash, more than 700 handwritten slips containing gambling account details, more than 500 SIM cards, and over 200 mobile phones believed to have been operational tools used to manage utilities.
Five luxury vehicles were also seized, which investigators believe were purchased using proceeds from the fraudulent activity. Weapons and ammunition were found in two homes.
The scale of the equipment seized suggests a highly organized setup rather than isolated abuse by a small number of users.
Money Laundering Angle and Ongoing Investigation
Another part of the investigation concerns the alleged laundering of proceeds. Investigators identified complex bank transfers and financial transactions aimed at concealing the origin of the funds.
Part of the sums was allegedly reinvested in real estate, vehicles, and businesses in the Patras region, with the aim of injecting illicit capital into the legal economy.
The case is now before the competent Prosecutor’s Office, while investigations continue to identify other individuals involved and accurately quantify the overall financial impact. In the broader industry context, cases like this also intensify scrutiny around promotional structures and player incentives, which is why comparisons focused on transparent offers — such as best casino rewards — remain relevant for compliance-conscious readers.
