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 the Hameln-Pyrmont-Holzminden and Northeim police inspectorates.
Several units of Lower Saxony’s riot police and police dog handlers from across the state also took part. The Financial Control of Undeclared Work unit at the Braunschweig Main Customs Office and City of Hildesheim officials assisted.
Hildesheim Police Inspectorate chief Christian Bomert led the operation. He said authorities were treating the case with the highest priority and would work with prosecutors to pursue those responsible.
Key Details Remain Unknown
Police have not disclosed how many gaming machines were taken or where they were allegedly being operated. No value has been given for the cash recovered.
There is no public estimate of how much money passed through the suspected gambling operation. Authorities have also not identified any gambling venues or the group believed to be behind them.
It is not yet clear what type of machines were seized. They could be standard amusement-with-prize machines run unlawfully, modified machines or another kind of gambling equipment.
Police have not said whether the gambling activity was financially linked to the alleged drug trade. It is also unclear whether the two activities simply involved some of the same people.
The customs unit’s involvement adds a financial and employment side to the searches. However, authorities have not tied that agency’s role directly to the gambling allegations.
The allegations have not been tested in court. No charges or convictions have been announced.
The Hildesheim public prosecutor’s office is handling media questions about the case. Further details are expected to depend on the ongoing examination of the machines, phones, cash and other seized material.
