Police target ICE

LONDON (15 January) – The Metropolitan Police Force will be taking a high profile presence at ICE Totally Gaming (4-6th February) as part of its ongoing commitment to disrupt Organised Criminal Networks (OCN'S) which target both land-based and remote gaming operators. Detective Constable Mat Wake of the Met's Gaming Unit, who will be leading activities from stand N14-340 at ICE, believes the opportunity to meet with regulators, operators, suppliers and customers from across the globe represents a valuable contribution in the battle against fraud.

"ICE is the largest exhibition of its kind and will give us the opportunity to assure the gaming industry that attacks against them will be dealt with as a crime, and as such should be reported," he explained. "We'll be discussing preventative strategies at the London show, and officers from the Fraud Squad's Operation Stirling will be present to answer questions and explain key issues to attendees."

Discussing the main areas of potential crime affecting the industry currently, as well as the Met's focus, Wake explained: "London is a hard target for criminals due to our presence, but Cyber Crime attacks on operators both front and back of house are on the rise.

"Our main business area is disrupting OCN'S by arrest and prosecution, along with the investigation of corrupt gaming staff colluding with customers", he added. "We've also ventured into online gaming and have just successfully prosecuted the first Bonus Abuse case which not only affects the operator but innocent victims who have had their identity compromised.

"The Met will be working closer with the gaming industry during 2014, and anyone wishing to find out more about our operations are invited to visit us on stand N14-340."

The Metropolitan Police is one of over 480 exhibiting organisations that will be at the world's largest gaming event. To register visit www.icetotallygaming.com.

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