Three individuals detained on a cruise following the collapse of a fraudulent scheme
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On the luxurious Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, a group of three individuals, revealed to be of British and French nationality, attempted a casino scam. Thanks to the quick reaction of the casino staff and the intervention of the Guardia Civil, the scammers were arrested in Barcelona, and their plan to cheat the casino was unsuccessful.
The specific nature of the scam is not detailed, but it involved distracting the dealer while swapping cards under the table. This unconventional method, often seen in films, seems to have been the scammers' preferred strategy.
The Guardia Civil seized €37,000 in cash from the suspects, money that they had fleeced off the casino. One of the suspects had a record of conducting casino scams in the US, suggesting that they may have brought their illicit activities abroad.
Casino scams on cruise ships do happen, though detailed statistics on their frequency are limited. Complaints about scam-like experiences tend to focus more on unfair rules or management practices rather than outright fraud. However, documented public examples, like the Tommy Carmichael case in the 1990s, show how individuals have exploited slot machines on cruises.
Passengers are advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities onboard. Cruise lines and casino regulators typically monitor for such scams to protect customers. The casino aboard the Wonder of the Seas offers various table games, with poker being popular. The scammers were caught attempting their scam while playing poker on the ship.
The Wonder of the Seas attracts tourists from all over the world, offering a unique experience on the sea. Despite this incident, it remains a popular destination for those seeking entertainment and relaxation. This case serves as a reminder that while cruise ships offer a world of fun and excitement, it's essential to stay vigilant and enjoy responsibly.
[1] Source: Cruise Critic [2] Source: CBS News
- The casino games, including poker, on the Wonder of the Seas were targeted by a group of scammers who attempted an unsuccessful scam involving dealer distraction and card swapping under the table, as reported by Cruise Critic and CBS News.
- The seized €37,000 from the arrested scammers, obtained through fleecing the casino, suggests that the general news and crime-and-justice sectors may have further reports on this particular case.
- Despite the occasional scams, such as the recent incident on the Wonder of the Seas, passengers are advised to spot and report any suspicious activities, ensuring the casino-and-gambling sector and cruise lines maintain a safe and fair environment for table games and other casino-games.
- A previous case, known as the Tommy Carmichael scam in the 1990s, demonstrates that cruise ship casino scams are not a completely new phenomenon, showcasing the need for vigilance while enjoying the fun and excitement offered by such venues.
