Sweden Clears 24hPoker but Jails Two for 2007 European Poker Challenge

This past week, Swedish court ruled in the long running case against the alleged organizers of the 2007 European Poker Challenge (EPC), which included founder and former CEO of 24hPoker, Per Hildebrand.

The District Court in Uddevalla sentenced two of the six defendants to jail terms of six and eight months, while two other defendants received a fine, according to reports from Gaming Intelligence Group. Mr. Hildebrand and another person, believed to be an employee of 24hPoker, were both acquitted of all charges.

The case related to a poker tournament held March 23 to March 25 2007 in the Swedish town of Grebbestad. Police raided the event on the evening of the first day of play and cancelled the tournament, claiming that it was illegal under Swedish law.

Prosecutor Barbro Jonsson presented evidence to the court found on seized computers showing that an agreement existed between 24hPoker and Grebbestad Poker to promote the event, and pointed to the fact that participants were able to qualify online via 24hPoker.

The District Court held that the tournament was not arranged for private purposes as it was available to the general public and also online, and therefore contravened Swedish Lottery Law.

The court found that two of the defendants, from Grebbestad Poker, were responsible for organizing the tournament and were therefore sentenced to jail. However the court ruled that 24hPoker were only sponsors of the event and did not actually arrange the tournament, allowing Mr. Hildebrand and a colleague to be acquitted.

A lawyer speaking on behalf of the event organizers said they would appeal.

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