More on Israel online gambling bust

20 Israelis were arrested across the country on suspicion of illegal gambling, money laundering and tax evasion amounting to “tens of millions of shekels” (see previous report).

Initial reports suggest that Israel Police and the Israel Tax Authority targeted convenience stores, owned by several of the suspects who served as agents. The stores are thought to have been used to facilitate the gambling. Raids were carried out at the convenience store premises and suspect’s homes, police said.

The gambling ring reportedly extends beyond Israel, an undercover police investigation revealed, with funds transferred to an unidentified country where the website’s service centre is located.

The Rishon Lezion Magistrates Court will hold a hearing today (Wednesday) where it is expected to extend the main suspects’ detention.