NEW CONCORDIA — Investigators examining the city’s gambling underworld are looking into allegations that vehicles connected to casino business were fitted with tracking equipment while owners believed they were simply being parked.
People familiar with the operation described small GPS devices capable of following vehicles across New Concordia. At least one target also believed private conversations had been recorded inside a vehicle.
The surveillance allegedly allowed powerful gambling interests to track people carrying large sums of cash and determine when those individuals deviated from expected routes.
“That’s why I park my own car,” said a downtown bartender. “Also because the valet wants like $18 plus a tip.”
The allegations follow reports that casino personnel maintained unusually detailed knowledge of certain guests’ movements and preferences.
No public agency has accused the Lazarus Casino of installing trackers, and investigators have not released forensic findings.
Until they do, New Concordia motorists may wish to add “check underneath car for organized-crime electronics” to the traditional post-valet inspection for door dings.