TLDR German police seized gaming machines, cash and mobile phones in raids targeting suspected illegal gambling in Hildesheim. More than 20 residential and commercial properties were searched at the same time on September 29. Fifteen people are under investigation, with a 34-year-old local man named as the main suspect. The gambling case grew out of a secret drug investigation that began in February. Police have not disclosed how many machines were seized, where they were used or how much cash was found.
German police seized gaming machines, cash and mobile phones during a large operation targeting suspected illegal gambling in Hildesheim. Fifteen people are now under investigation as part of a wider criminal case.
Officers searched more than 20 residential and commercial properties across the city at the same time on September 29. Another property elsewhere in the Hildesheim district was also searched.
The raids followed an investigation that had been running in secret since February. The Hildesheim public prosecutor’s office directed the inquiry.
Gambling Case Grew Out of Drug Investigation
Investigators first gathered evidence linked to suspected cocaine and cannabis trafficking. The inquiry expanded when police found signs that suspects were also running illegal gambling.
During the searches, officers recovered several gaming machines along with cash and mobile phones. Cocaine, cannabis and suspected stolen property were also seized.
Police have named a 34-year-old man from Hildesheim as the main suspect in the broader case. Other suspects were identified as the inquiry developed, bringing the total to 15 defendants.
Authorities have not said how many of the 15 are suspected of gambling offenses rather than drug offenses. They also have not said whether any suspects face allegations in both areas.
The operation was much larger than a standard gambling inspection. Hildesheim investigators were joined by officers from