In the aftermath of Italy’s high-profile “Operation Galaxy”, during which law enforcement officers confiscated assets worth €400 million ($433 million) tied to the underworld, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has categorically refuted any involvement in the nefarious operations led by the infamous head of the illicit betting ring. In an official proclamation released by the MGA, it was made clear that the entity intends to maintain a supportive stance towards the investigating bodies, while keeping a careful watch over the unraveling situation.
The Don of Crimes Made Malta His Refuge
The ongoing inquiry codenamed “Operation Galaxy”, initiated to uncover the nexus between organized crime and gambling, brought into light the existence of a criminal enterprise that made use of web-based gaming services, allegedly accommodated by companies registered in Malta. The sleuths discovered that a hitherto unrevealed mastermind named Antonio Ricci, an Italian national in his late 40s, was supposedly serving in an e-Gaming firm, handling a crucial administrative position.
Ricci, whose name had not been revealed earlier, was apprehended by the Maltese police in April 2019 on charges of money laundering on behalf of the Mafia. Having relocated to Malta a minimum of a decade ago, Ricci underwent a series of legal proceedings before eventually getting deported to Italy. As per the directives of the police force, he currently remains within his hometown, forbidden from venturing out.
The Italian police recently raided and seized around €400 million in assets related to three interlinked eGaming companies allegedly associated with Ricci. Preliminary findings suggested that Ricci had a direct hand in at least one of these enterprises, which he utilized unwaveringly to clean vast sums accrued from illegitimate betting activities spanning Europe.
The MGA Denied Entanglement with Ricci
The meticulously coordinated Operation Galaxy revealed that Ricci’s syndicate extended its power reach overseas via firms established across several European regions. By strategically diverting most earnings from illicit operations overseas, they successfully escaped the radar of the Italian tax officials. The outfit’s contacts with other criminal factions provided them with protective cover and assistance in recruiting fresh clientele.
The MGA quickly responded by clarifying the repercussions of the case and its rampant spread in both Italian and international media platforms. It had emphatically stated on Friday that Ricci had no connections whatsoever with any iGaming company licensed under the MGA. The regulating authority affirmed that it stayed in regular touch with both local and international law enforcement agencies and pledged to closely keep track of any advancements in the case.
The Authority wishes to clarify that the individual being referred to as the key player in the operation does not hold any stake, in any capacity, in any online gambling company licensed by the MGA.
MGA official statement
This assertive stand taken by the MGA reflects its dedication towards preserving the probity of its licensed operators and effectively distancing itself from any engagement with lawbreakers. As the extensive investigation continues to unfold, regulatory organizations like the MGA must remain on high alert to uphold the establishment’s reputation and create a safe ecosystem for operators and gamblers.
