OSAKA (TR) – Osaka Prefectural Police on Sunday raided a round-the-clock baccarat parlor in Osaka City and rounded up more than 20 persons involved in the operation, reports Jiji Press (Jan. 26).
That night, investigators entered Vanilla, located in the Minami area of Chuo Ward, and seized approximately 11.6 million yen in cash, five baccarat tables, chips and other items.
Police also arrested 21 persons for allegedly operating an illegal gambling parlor and profiting from it between last November and Sunday. Six of them were believed to be core members of the operation. Among them was the owner, 52-year-old Shingo Tanaka. Police did not reveal whether the suspects admit to the allegation.
According to police, the parlor was open 24 hours a day. To prevent a bust, it included double iron doors at the entrance and exit with guards and surveillance cameras in place in the surrounding area.
There was also escape route set up at the back door. As well, only customers who passed an interview with the parlor’s executives were allowed to enter.
At the time of the raid, police also rounded up eight male customers, aged in their 20s to 50s, on suspicion of gambling.
