Vienna operation uncovers illegal gambling and utility offences

Authorities uncovered illegal gambling machines, unauthorized electricity and gas connections, and other violations during an operation in three Vienna districts, ORF reported. One person was arrested and several reports were filed.

The Gruppe Sofortmaßnahmen emergency response unit and the financial police inspected businesses and an apartment in Ottakring, Hernals and Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus. They were supported by the Vienna State Criminal Police Office, the Public Employment Service, Wiener Netze and other municipal departments.

In Ottakring, officers found several illegal gambling machines in an apartment. No one was present, so the financial police opened the door by official order. They found that electricity had been obtained illegally for years to operate the machines and the apartment. The machines were confiscated and the electricity supply was cut off.

Illegal gambling and an unauthorized gas connection were also found in a business in Hernals. At another business in Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus, authorities found an undeclared worker, who was arrested. Enforcement seizures were also carried out over outstanding payments.

Further reports concerned violations of tobacco and non-smokers’ protection laws, trade regulations and unauthorized commercial activity. Authorities did not provide details about possible further investigations or the number of machines confiscated.