Police Bust Online Betting Network Targeting Players Through Social Media in Mar del Plata

The investigation resulted in the arrest and formal charging of four individuals—two men and two women—who allegedly managed an unlicensed betting operation that targeted players online.

The operation was led by the Cybercrimes Prosecutor's Office under Prosecutor Javier Pizzo and involved several law-enforcement agencies. Officers from the Buenos Aires Province Police assigned to the Instituto de Lotería y Casinos worked alongside the Federal Police’s DUOIE division to execute multiple search warrants across the José Hernández neighborhood in the southwestern part of the city.

According to investigators, the group promoted their gambling services primarily through Facebook. Interested users were then redirected to WhatsApp accounts, where members of the network acted as so-called “cashiers.” These individuals provided bank transfer details to players, allowing them to deposit funds and later receive payouts for their bets. Transactions were processed through Argentina’s banking systems using CBU and CVU codes, which enabled the suspects to handle payments electronically.

Authorities believe this digital structure allowed the network to operate with minimal physical infrastructure while still reaching a wide audience of potential bettors. By relying heavily on social media platforms and messaging applications, the organizers were able to advertise their services, communicate with players, and manage financial transactions without the need for a traditional gambling venue.

The raids were authorized by Judge Gabriel Bombini, head of Guarantees Court No. 5, after investigators gathered evidence through field surveillance and the monitoring of online activity. During the searches of several residential properties, law-enforcement officers seized mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices believed to be connected to the illegal operation.

These devices will now undergo forensic analysis as investigators attempt to determine the full scale of the network and identify the exact roles played by each of the suspects. Authorities are also expected to examine financial transactions linked to the bank accounts used by the group in order to track the movement of funds and identify possible additional participants or beneficiaries.

Following the raids, the four suspects were formally notified of criminal charges under Article 301 bis of Argentina’s Penal Code. This provision criminalizes the organization, management, or facilitation of unauthorized gambling activities. If convicted, the accused could face significant legal penalties.

Officials say the case highlights the growing use of social media and messaging platforms by illegal gambling operators, as well as the increasing importance of cybercrime investigations in identifying and dismantling such networks.