Operation “Infancias en juego”: Argentine Federal Police Dismantle Online Gambling Ring Targeting Minors

Argentina’s Policía Federal Argentina (PFA) has dismantled a sophisticated criminal network that promoted illegal online gambling mainly to children and teenagers, following 71 raids across the Buenos Aires province and the city of Mar del Plata.

The operation, known as “Infancias en juego”, resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects and the notification of 55 additional individuals as formal defendants. The network allegedly recruited minors via social‐media profiles and webpages, administered virtual accounts, and offered illegal betting services under false identities.

According to the PFA and media statements, the gang used both commercial advertising (e.g., banners) and direct outreach to youth, providing entry to unregulated gambling platforms without age verification. The investigation uncovered numerous high‐end vehicles, rental contracts, computers, hundreds of mobile phones and promotional material, suggesting substantial illicit profits.

The raids were executed in several municipalities including Berazategui, La Matanza, Florencio Varela, Malvinas Argentinas, San Martín, Tres de Febrero, Moreno, Pilar, Esteban Echeverría, General Pueyrredón, Lomas de Zamora, Quilmes, Merlo, Almirante Brown, La Plata, Avellaneda, 25 de Mayo and Mar del Plata.

The Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich commented: “Those who involve children in gambling pay the double price.” She emphasized the multi‐year nature of the investigation and the coordination among federal agencies, prosecutors and courts.

For Argentina’s gambling and regulatory landscape, the case highlights major concerns: the exposure of minors to online betting, the reach of illegal platforms, and the ongoing regulatory gap at national level. The crackdown may accelerate federal reforms on online gambling oversight and youth protection.