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Operation ‘Cheap Ink’: EPPO cracks down on €58 million VAT fraud involving office supplies

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In an operation code-named ‘Cheap Ink’, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Venice (Italy) today detained 18 suspects, believed to be part of a criminal organisation selling office supplies at cheap prices by fraudulently avoiding VAT payment, with profits estimated at €58 million.

The investigation started in 2020, following targeted administrative checks against a number of companies operating in the trade of stationery and consumables for printing equipment. The extremely cheap prices charged for these products, not in line with the market, had aroused suspicions from the Italian Financial Police (Nucleo di Polizia Economico Finanziaria Bolzano –Guardia di Finanza).

Subsequent investigations revealed the existence of a complex fraud scheme involving more than 30 suspects who, using a network of companies located mainly in the Triveneto region, but also in numerous EU countries, handled the importation of these products into Italy, systematically failing to pay VAT.

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The VAT evasion allowed the group to resell the imported products – mainly toners for professional printers, but also stationery – at extremely advantageous prices, distorting the principles of fair competition on the market.

Two entrepreneurs of Paduan origin, who remain in custody, are believed to be the promoters of the scheme, which involved using destitute people as ‘straw-men’ for around 30 companies, making it impossible to recover the due VAT. The assets of both suspects, amounting to €26 million, are being seized by Court order.

According to the investigation, the profits of the fraud allowed the suspects to acquire huge personal assets, including a Ferrari and other luxury cars, as well as valuable real estate.

The group is also suspected of laundering money through lucrative investments in Italy and abroad, in tourism, catering, real estate and cryptocurrencies.

At the request of the EPPO, the Judge for Preliminary Investigations of the Court of Padua issued the following coercive measures for the suspects arrested during today’s operation: three will remain in prison, eight under house arrest and three in compulsory residence. In addition, four suspects were banned from the exercise of executive offices of legal persons and enterprises.

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In order to recover the damages to the national and EU budgets, the court ordered the preventive seizure of money and financial assets, vehicles and real estate to a total value of approximately €58 million, to be executed against 19 individuals and 20 companies. Shareholdings of eight companies are also being seized.

Today’s operation involved 30 searches carried out mainly in Veneto, but also in other northern Italian regions, by more than 100 Financial Police officers and ‘cash dogs’ – canine units specialised in searching for currency.

The investigation, which was ongoing for more than two years and was coordinated by the EPPO, involved the South Tyrolean Financial Police officers, in cooperation with investigative units from Czechia, UK, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, the Netherlands and Germany.

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ELA Games Continues Its Expansion With of Peter Vonarshenko, Senior Business Development Manager

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The appointment marks a crucial milestone in the studio’s growth

ELA Games, an innovative game development studio, announces the appointment of Peter Vonarshenko as Senior Business Development Manager.

Peter has garnered vast experience as a business development manager in the industry and has been a key growth factor in previous roles. His communication and sales skills, which have helped him develop relationships and negotiate deals with key industry players, will be a crucial asset for ELA Games going forward.

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Together, ELA Games and Peter will work to solidify the studio’s position as a leading game development company and continue its growth. As Senior Business Development Manager, he will help with creating new, fruitful partnerships.

Peter Vonarshenko commented on the appointment, “It’s a pleasure to work with ELA Games after hearing about the company for a while. The studio’s vision and innovative content resonates with me, and I look forward to helping ELA Games grow into an online gaming powerhouse.”

ELA Games’ appointment of Peter highlights the studio’s proactive approach to its growth ambitions. This key leadership recruitment will drive our strategic growth and industry positioning.

The post ELA Games Continues Its Expansion With of Peter Vonarshenko, Senior Business Development Manager appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Kaizen Gaming Displays the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League Trophies in Bulgaria, Portugal and Romania

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Trophy exhibitions in Romania, Portugal, and Bulgaria give fans unforgettable moments. Legendary goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, joins the celebrations in Sofia.

Kaizen Gaming, one of the world’s biggest GameTech companies and owner of the Betano online sports betting and gaming brand, has joined forces with UEFA to bring the UEFA Europa League and Conference League trophies closer to European fans. Namely, the trophies were displayed in Romania, Portugal and for the first time in Bulgaria. The events are part of Betano’s 3-year global sponsorship of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League from the 2024/25 to the 2026/27 season.

The exclusive presentation of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League trophies took place at the Sofia Event Center in the Paradise Center mall on April 29th, with special guest UEFA Ambassador and legendary Italian footballer Gianluigi Buffon. Recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in football history, Buffon attracted intense media interest and was surrounded by fans during the event.

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“I am truly honored to join the Betano Trophy Event as a UEFA Ambassador,” said Gianluigi Buffon. “It is a great opportunity to visit Sofia for the first time and engage with such a passionate football community. I’m excited to share this experience with Bulgarian fans and celebrate the spirit of the game together.”

Also in attendance at the event were Bulgarian football legend Krasimir Balakov and one of the favourite names of Bulgarian pop-folk – Galena.

Ιn January, the trophies were displayed to football fans in Romania in an unforgettable event at Park Lake Shopping Center, in Bucharest. The event drew big crowds of enthusiastic football fans who got to see the trophies in person while also enjoying a meet and greet with players from Fotbal Club FCSB, Romania’s current league champions, sponsored by Betano.

The trophies were also displayed in Porto, Portugal, where over 1,700 fans got up close with them. In addition to seeing the trophies in person, fans were also welcomed by former FC Porto captain and 2011 UEFA Europa League winner, Helton. During the event, the renowned goalkeeper reminisced about the all-Portuguese Europa League final in Dublin in 2011 and the fantastic moment of lifting the trophy in front of FC Porto’s fans.

Betano will look to host further UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League events in new locations during the next season.

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FBMDS launches Sea of Fortune, the newest slot title in the Sublime Series

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FBMDS proudly unveils its latest online slot game, Sea of Fortune, a thrilling addition to its acclaimed Sublime Series. Set to chart new waters in the online casino landscape, Sea of Fortune delivers an immersive, high-impact experience that promises to captivate slot fans across multiple markets.

Set against the backdrop of the seven seas, Sea of Fortune invites players aboard the ship of the fearless Captain Golden Beard. With vibrant 3×3 reels, five paylines, and seamless gameplay across Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile, this game masterfully blends simplicity with excitement — offering smooth animations, detailed graphics, and a nautical soundtrack that completes the maritime adventure.

“Sea of Fortune enhances the Sublime Series legacy by combining stunning visuals and rewarding mechanics into a compelling adventure,” said Renato Almeida, Director at FBM. “It’s not just about spinning reels, it’s about diving into an epic treasure hunt that keeps players coming back.”

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Key Features:
• Wild Symbol substitutes all others and can deliver up to 250x the bet when filling the grid.
• Spin Bonus mode, where only one paying symbol and Wilds appear on the reels, granting three re-spins and multipliers of up to x20.
• Wild Injection feature, adding Wilds at random moments for enhanced chances of winning.

The game also features thematic elements such as parrots, rum, anchors, swords, and cannon bombs — reinforcing the game’s swashbuckling spirit. Designed to boost player engagement, loyalty, and betting volume, Sea of Fortune is tailored for operators seeking content that performs.

With its release, FBMDS continues to support its 2025 growth strategy by delivering customized, regionally adapted content with optimized math models and rewarding bonus structures. Get ready to hoist the sails and set course for treasure — Sea of Fortune is here to make waves!

The post FBMDS launches Sea of Fortune, the newest slot title in the Sublime Series appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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