Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Organised Crime Branch have today, Wednesday 17 December, made two arrests following searches carried out in the Belfast and Craigavon areas.

A 43 -year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were arrested for organising or managing prohibited gaming, converting / concealing criminal property and being concerned in an arrangement regarding criminal property.

Both remain in custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Peter MacCionaoith of the PSNI Economic Crime Unit said: “Today’s searches and arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into illegal online gaming. It may appear that this type of criminality is a victimless crime, but I would like to remind people that it is not.

“In Northern Ireland organising prohibited gaming is an illegal offence under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and anyone involved will be detected, investigated and ultimately prosecuted.”