Police from France’s Central Office for the Fight Against Organised Crime (OCLCO) have arrested Crésus Casino CEO and poker star Grégoire Auzoux over his suspected role in a major illegal gambling network.
According to weekend media reports, prosecutors claim the offshore online casino firm Crésus and its multiple subsidiaries, including Jackpot Bob and Lucky 8, generated nearly €1bn ($1.1bn) in illegal turnover since 2020.
98% of Crésus’ online activity was targeted at French residents
The OCLCO first went after Auzoux in mid-September after victims turned the police unit’s attention to Crésus, reporting they were unable to withdraw winnings of €201,755 ($235,236). Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated 98% of Crésus’ online activity was targeted at French residents.
Police arrested Auzoux Friday and charged him and another suspect in a Paris court. Both are accused of multiple illegal gambling violations, including operating as part of an organized gang and money laundering.
The pair remain in pre-trial custody and face, via the latter charge alone, up to ten years in prison and a fine of €750,000 ($874,342). Auzoux has grossed over $3.3m in live tournament earnings according to the Hendon Mob database, including a recent $223,500 win at the Onyx Super High Roller Series in Cyprus.
iGaming news firm Next.io shared a quote from an anonymous source stating that Auzoux’s fall stemmed from “hubris” and “arrogance.” The poker pro allegedly set up mirror sites after the French gambling authority ordered a block on his Cresuscasino.com domain.
