INTERPOL says it has arrested more than 1,300 people throughout Asia and seized more than $16 million in a sting targeting illegal bookmakers during the Euro 2008.
Conducted throughout May and June 2008, Operation SOGA II (short for soccer gambling) identified and raided 1,088 illegal gambling dens, many of which were controlled by organized crime gangs and are estimated to have handled nearly $1.5 billion in bets, according to INTERPOL's prepared statement.
"The effect this operation has achieved is substantial, not only in terms of breaking up illegal gambling dens and criminal networks, but in demonstrating the impact that co-operation through INTERPOL internationally can have at the national and local levels," said INTERPOL's executive director of police services, Jean-Michel Louboutin.
The effort coordinated law enforcement agencies across China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
"SOGA II has again proved the strength of national, regional and international police co-operation and forms an excellent base for collective security efforts during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, which are now only weeks away."