Accra, Dec. 6, GNA - The Police Administration on Thursday warned illegal football gamblers who intend to operate during the upcoming Ghana 2008 tournament to desist from such acts. A statement signed in Accra by DSP Kwesi Ofori, Acting Director of Public Affairs, said reports police had received indicated that during football events like Ghana 2008, there could be widespread illegal gambling.

"The practice is not only a crime, but it is often linked with other serious offences such as corruption, money laundering and prostitution, which often generate profit at a cost of public service and the safety of hardworking people," it said. According to the police, football gambling is an organised crime, which involves a lot of money and perpetrated by gangs of criminals. "The Ghana police in collaboration with INTERPOL are preparing for a massive operation to hunt these criminals and save the people the scourge of this (crime)."

The police urged the public to report any person or group of persons suspected to be illegal football gamblers.