Latest News

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

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

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.

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.

Latest News

Accelerating Growth: REEVO Integrates High-Caliber Content by YOriginal Games

Published

53 minutes ago

June 18, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

REEVO, the next-generation B2B games provider and aggregation platform, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with YOriginal Games, a cutting-edge game studio known for its fast-paced, high-converting casino content.

This partnership brings YOriginal’s top-performing titles including fan favorites like Crash, Plinko, Dice, and Limbo to REEVO’s robust aggregation platform, further expanding the company’s content offering with high-velocity, action-driven gameplay that resonates with next-gen audiences.

As part of REEVO’s mission to continuously deliver innovative, customizable content that helps partners grow, this collaboration highlights the power of REEVO’s agile integration and deep market reach.

“Partnering with YOriginal is a natural fit for REEVO as we continue to raise the bar for content excellence,” said Daniel Cuc, Head of Account Management at REEVO. “Their portfolio is a magnet for players who crave action and instant engagement. With our platform’s flexibility and speed-to-market, we’re empowering operators to unlock new levels of performance and this partnership is just the start.”

YOriginal’s CEO, Kirill Bykov, echoed the excitement: “We’re truly excited to go live with REEVO an outstanding partner with a sharp product and strong reach. Their platform is a perfect match for our fast, high-performing games. Together, we’re delivering fully customized content to markets that love action. This is just the beginning.”

With dozens of new titles launched monthly, REEVO continues to evolve as one of the most dynamic content platforms in the industry offering operators seamless access to bold, differentiated games that win.

The post Accelerating Growth: REEVO Integrates High-Caliber Content by YOriginal Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Brazil

Esportes Gaming Brasil certified as Great Place To Work®

Published

53 minutes ago

June 18, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

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Esportes Gaming Brasil, the owner of Onabet and Esportes da Sorte, has been certified as a Great Place To Work®. The recognition – a global reference in people management and organizational climate – highlights the company’s efforts in promoting a positive environment, with development, well-being and inclusion initiatives aligned with the needs of its approximately 600 employees.

The GPTW survey assesses employee perceptions across five pillars – credibility, respect, impartiality, pride and camaraderie. For Sophia Serak, Director of People, participating in the assessment was essential to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. “We want to be more than a workplace: we’ve created a framework for everyone to develop and feel valued. The certificate proves we are on the right path and motivates us to evolve further”, says the executive.

More than just a welcoming environment, Grupo Esportes Gaming Brasil has built a space where everyone has the freedom to be themselves, clarity about where they can go, and real support to grow. An environment where values such as trust, listening, and collaboration are at the heart of decisions — from the selection process to the choice of leaders.

In 2024, the group accelerated its mission to strengthen leadership, with training, assessments linked to values and programs offering regular management training. More than 60 leaders participated in development paths and initiatives such as “Impulso EGB” — an educational incentive program that subsidizes technical courses and specializations for employees.

Trust is the foundation of Esportes Gaming Brasil’s culture. It manifests itself in small gestures, spontaneous feedback, the freedom to propose new ideas and the construction of real bonds between people. The company invests in inclusive communication, active listening and collective actions that strengthen the sense of belonging — such as themed parties, recognition rituals and direct chats with leadership.

The post Esportes Gaming Brasil certified as Great Place To Work® appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – June 9-15

Published

17 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Niji Narayan

gaming-americas-weekly-roundup-–-june-9-15

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

BMM Innovation Group, a technology conglomerate focused on gaming product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions and virtual training for the global gaming industry, announced that it is exhibiting at the Perú Gaming Show 2025, June 18–19 at the Centro de Exposiciones Jockey in Lima, Perú. BMM’s local experts will be available at Booth No. 31–32 to discuss the Company’s full suite of testing, certification, cybersecurity and virtual training services for Perú’s growing gaming industry. With a well-established land-based sector and a rapidly expanding online gaming market, Perú represents one of the most dynamic jurisdictions in Latin America. BMM has supported the Peruvian gaming industry for more than 18 years, with a dedicated office in Lima since 2007. The Company’s deep roots and compliance expertise make it uniquely positioned to serve the diverse needs of Perú’s casinos, sports betting operators, lottery providers and online gaming programmes.

Amusnet is set to make a powerful impression at the Peru Gaming Show 2025, taking place on June 18-19 in Lima, by presenting a comprehensive portfolio across its Online Casino, Live Casino, and Land-based verticals. As one of the most prominent and influential gaming exhibitions in Latin America, PGS brings together the industry’s leading providers, manufacturers and decision-makers for two days of impactful business exchange. Amusnet is also sponsoring the LMG Futbol Experience on June 17, held just before the exhibition, showcasing involvement in local events and its engagement in supporting industry-wide collaboration.

International Game Technology PLC announced that its spectacular RISE55 cabinet is now live on casino floors across the US. With robust, performance-focused content roadmaps for the premium-leased and for-sale game segments, IGT’s RISE55 cabinet debuted with the highly entertaining Magic Treasures Gold game. The RISE55 cabinet features a 55-inch ultra-HD curved display that delivers crisp graphics, enhanced audio technology and remarkable player comfort. The RISE55 cabinet first hit casino floors in late May, with additional deployments planned through the summer. As the hardware’s Class III premium launch title, Magic Treasures Gold is a visually stunning multi-level progressive game with features that build upon the success of IGT’s award-winning Magic Treasures game, including a leveled-up version of the Money Ball feature.

Partnerships

Hard Rock Cafe, in partnership with international soccer icon Lionel Messi, launched new merchandise coinciding with one of the year’s most anticipated global soccer tournaments. The collection debuts as part of Hard Rock’s “WE PLAY TOGETHER” campaign, which unites soccer fans to celebrate the sport. The campaign will feature special experiences and exclusive offers, such as bundle deals combining themed Messi menu and retail items, for guests to watch each match and show support for their favourite teams. Lionel Messi announced the collection via an Instagram post, where he donned one of the custom tees now available for purchase.

PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced that it has partnered with the Los Angeles Dodgers as the team’s Official DFS Partner. The partnership features several digital and in-stadium activations at Dodger Stadium as PrizePicks continues to strengthen its brand presence in baseball.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – June 9-15 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.