TLDR Police in Cosenza, Italy, took court-ordered measures against 15 suspects on Monday, October 26, 2026. A slot machine operator allegedly rigged 145 machines to hide bets from tax authorities. Hidden circuits, wireless remotes and cloned smart cards allegedly helped the group avoid the PREU gambling tax. An official at the Customs and Monopolies Agency allegedly warned of inspections and returned seized evidence. Cosenza prosecutor Vincenzo Capomolla said the investigation is still ongoing.
Police in southern Italy say a slot machine tax fraud ring had help from an official inside the country’s gambling regulator.
On Monday, October 26, 2026, police in Cosenza carried out court-ordered measures against 15 suspects. Two people were placed under house arrest.
The other 13 suspects face noncustodial penalties. These include bans from working in the gambling industry.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
According to Italian authorities, the case centers on a slot machine distributor and operator. The operator’s machines were installed at many gambling venues across the province of Cosenza.
Investigators say the operator worked with a network of technicians and suppliers. Together, they allegedly rigged 145 machines to hide wagers from tax authorities.
Authorities claim the group installed hidden circuitry inside the machines. One set of electronics reported gambling activity to Italy’s official monitoring network.
A second set allegedly recorded bets that never reached the tax authorities. This let operators keep cash without paying the required gambling tax, known as the PREU.
Investigators said the suspects used wireless remotes to send play through the unauthorized circuitry. Cloned smart cards reportedly kept the machines running when they were cut off from the official network.
Authorities also said the machines’ anti-tampering systems were defeated with simple glue and plastic ties.
An Insider at the Regulator
Police say the group had help from inside