Lodzkie

6th January 2012

A group of 18 Lodz bookmakers operated in conjunction with a gang dealing in illegal ethyl alcohol, issuing fake winings tickets in order to launder the income from the operation. The charge files on the case were sent to Lodz Regional Court this week, meaning the trial will shortly go ahead.

The story came to light back in early 2009 when the illicit alcohol gang was busted. Investigations revealed that the gang’s bosses were using the bookies to launder their cash. Initially, investigators uncovered two bookmakers who issued fake winnings tickets to the tune of PLN 2.2 mln, but it soon became clear this was only the tip of the iceberg.

A whole host of stooges were employed to collect the bogus winnings. Fourteen people, mostly with small businesses, including a dog breeder, a blueberry farmer, coin dealer and a chemical trader, have been charged with making false declarations.

The entire procedure was coordinated by 31-year-old Joanna P. and her husband. She coerced 17 other bookmakers to issue the fake tickets, for which she took a 6% cut and that was then divided between the bookies. Investigators have so far uncovered fake tickets to a value of PLN 6.8 mln.

Piotrkowska is fine

Ulica Piotrkowska in Lodz has been fitted with a sophisticated system involving 14 CCTV cameras to catch anyone who tries driving along the pedestrian precinct. Anyone who tries taking a shortcut now faces a PLN 500 fine and five penalty points.