Spanish Police join forces with Coljuegos to tackle illegal gambling
Coljuegos, Colombia’s gambling regulator, and Spain’s National Police have reached an agreement to prevent illegal gaming and betting fraud. At the same time, Colombia’s judicial police gain international support in their fight against sports corruption and money laundering, safeguarding athletes and public funds.
Barcelona agreement boosts international collaboration
The signing of the agreement between Coljuegos and Spain’s National Police took place during ICE Gaming Global in Barcelona. The document was signed by Luis Fernando Pascual Grasa, General Commissioner of the Spanish Judicial Police for the past two years, alongside Colombian representatives. This agreement represents cooperation between the two countries to combat transnational crimes linked to gambling and games of chance, prioritizing public safety and state resources.
The agreement establishes protocols to prevent, control, and penalise illicit internet gambling activities. It also covers topics that finance international networks of organised crime. “This procedure strengthens our capacity to tackle illegal gambling beyond borders. Organised crime does not operate in isolation, which is why international cooperation is key to protecting legality, transparency, and public trust”, said Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos.
Colombian specialised police receive international backing
In Colombia, there is a specialised police unit dedicated to combating illegal gambling and betting fraud. The unit is led by the National Police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol. The new agreement with Spain will enhance its operational capabilities through information exchange.
One aspect of the agreement is the joint use of technology to monitor internet betting. Additionally, it will aid in financial investigations against money laundering connected to illicit marketplaces. Both organisations will also coordinate efforts through Interpol and Europol to dismantle criminal networks operating between the two countries.
Information exchange and training between Colombia and Spain
One of the pillars of the agreement lies in the constant exchange of strategic and operational information between Coljuegos and the Spanish police. This mechanism will enable the identification of illegal platforms operating from abroad that impact local economies. Moreover, it will drive joint actions against corruption in sport.
“We are taking a decisive step against illegal platforms operating from abroad that harm both public resources and the most vulnerable population,” stated Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos.
The collaboration includes sports integrity training programmes for authorities from both nations. It also includes awareness efforts aimed at improving transparency in the gaming industry and preventing fraud in online betting.
Four-year alliance against illegal gambling: Coljuegos and Spain
The agreement will have an initial duration of four years, with the possibility of extension. This structure will ensure a robust and sustained framework for ongoing collaboration. Specifically, it strengthens the bond between Colombia and Spain in enforcing gambling laws.
The initiative reinforces the shared commitment against fraud, corruption, and illegal gambling in digital environments.
As such, it ensures public safety in both countries and the sector’s integrity. Finally, the deal tackles the imperative to combat cross-border threats that transcend national boundaries and legal jurisdictions.
This article was first published in Spanish on 23 January 2026.
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