Illegal Online Gambling in Malta Linked to Italian Mafia Uncovered

Italian authorities have exposed an illegal gambling network associated with organized crime, revealing links to the 'Ndrangheta mafia group. As part of Operation Galaxy, Italian police confiscated assets amounting to approximately €400 from three Maltese iGaming companies allegedly involved in a fraudulent scheme.

Antonio Richie, believed to be the orchestrator of the operation, is an Italian citizen residing in Malta since at least 2010. He held a significant position in an iGaming company on the island. Italian police claim that Richie, through businesses registered in Malta, laundered funds acquired from illegal gambling activities across Europe. In 2019, Richie was arrested in Malta and later deported to Italy, where he remains under recognizance not to leave.

The Malta Gaming Commission (MGA) has vehemently denied any connections to the mafia. According to the MGA's official statement, Ritchie was not an employee of any licensed companies under their jurisdiction. The MGA pledges continued cooperation with law enforcement agencies from Malta and Italy, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the gaming industry.