Six illegal betting venues uncovered near schools in Tirana, eight people arrested

Tirana police have concluded the operation codenamed “Barriera”, part of checks aimed at cracking down on illegal gambling near educational institutions.

According to police, the operation uncovered six venues across different areas of the capital, where sports betting was being organized via mobile phones. Eight people were arrested, while 10 devices used for this activity were seized.

The operation was carried out by specialists of the Cyber Fraud Investigation Section, in cooperation with Police Station No. 2, the Special Operational Force and under the direction of the Prosecution.

The arrested are the employees of two of the venues, M. M., 20, and S. A., 23, as well as D. V., 24, B. Ç., 42, E. S., 43, A. D., 26, E. B., 24, and O. A., 21, who, according to police, were caught red-handed placing bets on the premises.

During the checks, one DVR device and nine mobile phones with active gambling pages were seized.

Police said investigations and checks will continue to identify other persons who may have been involved in this illegal activity, while the procedural materials have been referred to the Prosecution for further action.