Paris, December 21 – A tourist was struck in the face by a shell game operator near the Eiffel Tower after realizing he was being scammed, according to a police report issued this Sunday. The incident highlights the persistent issue of illegal gambling and fraud targeting tourists in the French capital. Police swiftly apprehended the individual responsible for the assault.
Ongoing Shell Game Scams Around the Eiffel Tower
The shell game, known as ‘bonneteau’ in French, is a notorious street gambling fraud that has plagued popular tourist sites in Paris, particularly around the Eiffel Tower. Despite recent police efforts to dismantle organized crime groups involved in these scams, the practice continues to ensnare unsuspecting visitors.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, reportedly understood the deception during the game and was subsequently attacked by one of the operators. This incident underscores the aggressive nature of these scammers when confronted.
Recent Crackdown on Organized Crime
Earlier this December, Parisian police successfully dismantled a major clan that had been controlling shell game operations at the Trocadéro, a prominent area near the Eiffel Tower. This group, identified as the ‘B. family’ and allegedly affiliated with the Romanian criminal organization known as the ‘Scorpions’, had established a monopoly over these lucrative scams. The alleged leader of the clan was known by the nickname ‘Cartoke’.
The operation, conducted in mid-December, resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals. Nine of them were subsequently charged with organized fraud. Authorities seized over 12,000 euros in cash, and several suspects were placed in administrative detention centers.
Understanding the Shell Game Scam
The shell game is an ancient form of street gambling, with origins dating back to at least the 14th century in France. It is illegal due to its nature as a game of chance played in public for money, and more importantly, because it is inherently a scam.
The operation relies on a well-coordinated team of fraudsters:
- The ‘Bonneteur’ (Game Master): Manipulates the objects to deceive players.
- The ‘Barons’ (Accomplices): Their roles include luring potential victims, acting as lookouts, and sometimes intimidating losers or collecting winnings from those who discover the trick.
The equipment needed is simple: typically three cards (two black kings and a queen of hearts) or three cups with a ball or a die, along with a flat surface like a tablet or a large piece of cardboard.
The game master shuffles the cards or cups, and the player bets on identifying the queen of hearts or the hidden object. To build confidence, the game master often allows the ‘pigeon’ to win easily in initial rounds, encouraging larger bets. However, once a significant amount is wagered, the manipulation begins, making it impossible for the player to win.
Police Presence and Tourist Safety
The ongoing incidents highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating street crime in high-traffic tourist areas. Despite regular patrols and targeted operations, these scams persist, often adapting their methods. Tourists are advised to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with street gamblers to prevent becoming victims of fraud or potential assault.
Authorities continue to urge tourists to report any suspicious activities or direct encounters with such scams to the police immediately. The apprehension of the assailant in this recent incident demonstrates the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors to Paris.
The incident report did not specify the nationality of the tourist or the precise time of the assault, only that it occurred on Sunday, December 21, near the Eiffel Tower.
Source: https://actu.fr/ile-de-france/paris_75056/paris-arnaque-au-bonneteau-a-la-tour-eiffel-un-touriste-frappe-apres-s-etre-apercu-de-l-escroquerie_63607660.html
