# Law enforcement operations against organized crime in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/law-enforcement-operations-against-organized-crime-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-09-25T18:23:17.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 3.

German authorities have conducted several large-scale law enforcement operations targeting various forms of organized crime. Initial actions included raids in Dresden, Leipzig, Frankfurt, and other regions, focusing on criminal activities such as illegal gambling and tax evasion. In the Frankfurt area, an investigation into unauthorized betting platforms revealed potential fiscal damages of approximately 77.6 million euros for 2024, with assets worth roughly 82 million euros subject to seizure.

Subsequent operations expanded to include international coordination with Belgian authorities. A joint raid involving approximately 800 law enforcement officers targeted a widespread money laundering and fraud network. This criminal structure is suspected of defrauding state and social insurance systems of more than 60 million euros through the use of falsified claims and manipulated billing processes.

Recent developments in the Rhine-Main region have focused on an alleged illegal online gambling ring linked to the Platincasino brand and entrepreneur Thomas Daniel Kalman. Following a three-year investigation, over 100 officers raided eleven locations, primarily near Frankfurt. Five suspects are accused of operating unlicensed platforms since at least July 2021, with authorities estimating that approximately 5.86 billion euros in gambling stakes were processed through these sites between July 2021 and late 2023. 

The case has drawn political scrutiny following reports that an IT firm connected to Kalman made substantial donations to the AfD and FDP political parties. One primary suspect is currently in custody.

## Claims

- Five suspects are accused of operating online gambling platforms without the required German permits since at least July 2021. (single source)
- Gambling stakes processed through the platforms totaled approximately 5.86 billion euros between July 2021 and the end of 2023. (single source)
- The estimated tax damage for the year 2024 is approximately 77.6 million euros. (single source)
- Authorities seized assets worth approximately 82 million euros during the operation. (single source)
- More than 100 law enforcement officers searched eleven locations, primarily in the Frankfurt and Rhine-Main areas. (single source)
- The investigation involves Frankfurt entrepreneur Thomas Daniel Kalman and the Platincasino brand. (single source)
- An IT company linked to Kalman made significant donations to the AfD and FDP political parties. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Platincasino investigation targets illegal gambling and tax evasion

German authorities seized 82 million euros in assets during a raid on an illegal gambling ring linked to Platincasino and entrepreneur Thomas Daniel Kalman, involving billions in unlicensed stakes.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/online-casino-brands-spielbank-schleswig-holstein-and-esplanade-reviewed

### 2026-09-20: Germany and Belgium raid organized money laundering network

German and Belgian authorities conducted a coordinated raid involving 800 officers to dismantle a money laundering and social security fraud network involving over 60 million euros.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-and-belgium-raid-organized-money-laundering-network

### 2026-09-14: Germany conducts major police raids in Dresden, Leipzig, and Frankfurt

German authorities have conducted multiple major raids across Dresden, Leipzig, and Frankfurt, targeting illegal gambling, tax evasion, and other criminal activities involving significant asset seizures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-conducts-major-police-raids-in-dresden-leipzig-and-frankfurt

---
Cite as: Law enforcement operations against organized crime in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/law-enforcement-operations-against-organized-crime-in-europe
