Illegal gaming den shut down in Ryki

19 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Police raided an illegal gambling salon in Ryki, seizing machines, cash and ammunition. Authorities arrested a suspect and launched criminal proceedings.

The police in Ryki raided an illegal gambling salon early on Wednesday and arrested a suspect. Moreover, officers seized four slot machines, cash and sport-ammunition from the premises.

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Raid and evidence

Local criminal investigators from the County Police Headquarters led the operation. In addition, customs and tax officers from the Lublin Customs and Tax Office supported them. Consequently, the team acted on prior intelligence about unlicensed gambling. The officers found a 26-year-old Ukrainian man at the scene. They inspected the premises and secured the machines and the cash. Furthermore, they found ammunition for sport firearms. Therefore, detectives took the items for further forensic checks.

illegal gambling salon: charges and penalties

Prosecutors charged the man with organizing games without a permit. Moreover, he faces a separate charge for illegal possession of ammunition. The law punishes unlicensed gambling with a fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. However, illegal possession of ammunition carries a much stiffer sentence. Specifically, the courts may impose from six months to eight years in prison. Therefore, authorities asked the local court to remand the suspect in custody. Consequently, the judge ordered temporary arrest pending trial.

Cross-agency cooperation and local policing

Police emphasized the coordinated effort behind the bust. In addition to the county criminal unit, customs officers added tax and regulatory expertise. Moreover, such cooperation expedites seizure of assets and builds stronger cases. The case shows how local police address economic crimes. However, law enforcement also relies on tips from residents and routine inspections.

Why this matters for expats

Unauthorized gambling dens create public-safety risks in small towns. In addition, they may encourage other crimes like money laundering and illegal arms possession. Consequently, foreigners should avoid such venues and report suspicious activity. Moreover, participating in illegal games can expose you to prosecution. Therefore, know Polish rules about gambling and licensing before you play. For clarity, Polish institutions often used by residents include ZUS (social security), NFZ (public health insurer), and PESEL (national ID number). Also, remember that a traffic fine is called a mandat in Polish.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland and see suspected illegal gambling, report it to the local police (policja) or to the tax office. Moreover, do not enter unlicensed venues. In addition, keep your documents safe and do not carry weapons or ammunition. For residency matters, register with the appropriate offices and obtain your PESEL if you stay long-term. Therefore, contact community support groups if you need legal help.

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