Argentinian authorities dismantled an illegal gambling network operating out of the José Hernández neighborhood in Mar del Plata following a series of coordinated raids.
The operation, led by the Cybercrimes Prosecutor's Office under Prosecutor Javier Pizzo, resulted in four adults being formally charged with operating an unlicensed betting scheme.
According to investigators, the group used Facebook to promote betting services and directed interested users to WhatsApp accounts where individuals acting as "cashiers" provided bank transfer details to process deposits and pay out winnings.
Transactions were handled through Argentina's bank transfer systems using CBU and CVU codes.
Authorities say the structure allowed the operation to function with minimal physical infrastructure while reaching a large number of potential bettors through social media channels.
Search warrants for residential properties in the southwest of the city were authorized by Judge Gabriel Bombini, Head of Guarantees Court 5, following investigative work that included field surveillance and monitoring of online activity by the prosecutor's office.
Units from the Buenos Aires Province Police assigned to the Instituto de Lotería y Casinos and the Federal Police's DUOIE division participated in the raids.
During the operation, officers seized mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices that will now undergo forensic examination to determine the scope of the network and the role of each suspect within the organization. Investigators are also expected to analyze financial transactions linked to the accounts used by the group.
The four suspects were formally notified of the charges under Article 301 bis of Argentina's Penal Code, which criminalizes the organization, administration or facilitation of unauthorized gambling operations.
The online-only model has become increasingly common in Argentina’s illegal betting market, according to investigators
