Soccer Gambling Crackdown - 423 Arrested!

In a statement released today, Interpol announced a massive crackdown on soccer gambling which has resulted in the arrests of 423 people in Asia. Launched in June, the operation included law enforcement from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The arrests were made in October and November.

Interpol referred to the arrests as an “excellent test” of international law enforcement cooperation as the 2008 Beijing Olympics draw near.

While Interpol coordinated the operation, police swooped in a shut down 272 underground gambling dens. These facilities were believed to have handled over $680 million in illegal bets around the globe.

“Illegal soccer gambling is not only a crime in itself, but is often linked with other serious offences such as corruption, money laundering and prostitution, which generate massive profits, all too often at the cost of public services and the safety of hardworking people,” said Interpol executive director Jean-Michel Louboutin.

“This operation has not only seriously affected the activities of organized crime gangs throughout Asia, but also served as an excellent test of national, regional and international police cooperation ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.”

The operation had the codename of SOGA (short for “soccer gambling”) and was conducted to coincide with the beginning of football (soccer) season. Authorities seized cars, mobile phones, computers, bank cards and over $680,000 in cash.

LEGAL FOOTBALL BETTING WITH BODOG

What gets me is why anyone would illegally wager on football matches when a perfectly legal company like Bodog is around? For example, just look at the odds being offered for a couple of English Premiership matches taking place tomorrow:

Bolton Wanderers +1 @ Manchester United -1

Arsenal FC -2 @ Wigan Athletic FC +2

For more stories involving sports betting, be sure to check these out:

Stanley Cup Odds from Bodog

English Premiership Games - Bodog Odds

Soccer Gambling Crackdown - 423 Arrested!