Argentina authorities have frozen assets worth ARS$7 billion, about €4.1 million, linked to an alleged illegal online gambling operation. The money belongs to Roberto Javier Zuco, 54, who has been charged with money laundering and running illegal gambling. The raids happened in October at exclusive gated communities in Canning, Buenos Aires province.

A federal judge, Jorge Rodríguez, ordered that Zuco remain in pretrial detention. He also approved the freeze of Zuco’s assets while the investigation continues. The case focuses on an online gambling platform called Celuapuestas. The platform reportedly offered bets through websites and social media without following government rules or paying taxes, according to local newspaper La Nación.

How the Illegal Gambling Worked

The investigation began in May 2023 after an informant gave authorities information about a structured network behind the illegal gambling operation. Judge Rodríguez said the case showed “how technology and cash could be combined to conceal illicit proceeds.”

The operation involved a group of people making small, split-up bank deposits to avoid being detected by the financial system. The judge said, “The criminal structure included a network of tellers and ‘mules’: people who made small, fragmented deposits at different banks, thus circumventing the automatic controls of the financial system.”

After the deposits, the money was reportedly laundered in several ways. This included withdrawing cash, buying vehicles and real estate, and investing in cryptocurrencies

Raids and Arrests

During raids on October 15, authorities arrested 19 people suspected of being involved in the illegal gambling operation. They also seized 60 vehicles and ARS$120 million in cash, showing the scale of the operation.

In addition, the National Gendarmerie confiscated 40 computers, storage devices, mobile phones, three firearms, and 12 kilograms of cannabis. These items were believed to be used to manage the gambling network and support its operations.

One notable arrest involved Jorge Valdivia, 48, who was caught after drone surveillance recorded him loading a suitcase containing ARS$12 million into a vehicle as he tried to leave a gated community. He was charged as an accomplice and placed under house arrest, with a separate ARS$2 billion asset freeze, highlighting the authorities’ effort to recover illegal proceeds.

Ongoing Investigation

According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office of Hurlingham, the illegal gambling activity reportedly began in 2020. Prosecutor Santiago Marquevich is leading the investigation, and 19 suspects are still on the run. Judge Rodríguez said, “Throughout this case, the Prosecutor’s Office has shown that the defendants set up and operated a clandestine online gambling platform that functioned outside of any state regulation and without tax oversight.”

Authorities are still working to find the remaining suspects and recover money from the illegal operation. They continue to investigate the network to stop further illegal activity.