The National Police of Ukraine raided a live casino studio and arrested 120 people for unlawful online gambling.
Authorities seized 60 gaming tables, cards, dice, servers, and computer equipment during the operation.
According to reports, the police stated: “Investigative actions are being conducted within the framework of criminal proceedings initiated under Part 2 of Article 364 (Abuse of Power or Official Position) and Part 5 of Article 190 (Fraud) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.”
It continued: “The pre-trial investigation is ongoing; law enforcement officers are analyzing data from the seized computer equipment, identifying all persons involved in the illegal activity.”
Further information indicates that the online casino has been in operation for four years and has made $50 million in revenue. Ukrainians are the casino’s core customers, although it also targets other European and Asian countries. Cryptocurrency makes it easier to pay.
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Illegal Casino Associated with Russian Influence and Money Laundering
It follows a turbulent period in the Ukrainian gaming industry. Two weeks ago, the Ukrainian news site UNN claimed that a member of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries had been imprisoned on suspicion of aiding the activities of an online casino in Ukraine that was involved in Russian money laundering.
According to sources, the civil servant, together with the previously imprisoned and sanctioned head of the Commission, Ivan Rudyi, neglected to take action to withdraw the casino license to conduct online gambling activities despite knowing of the illicit activity.
According to a statement from the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office to UNN (translated), “As part of the investigation of the commercial structure, the SBU confirmed the online casino’s ties with representatives of Russia and Russian capital, as well as entities sanctioned in Ukraine.” The internet casino gathered personal information on Ukrainian customers. Thus, the aggressor state possessed personal data and information about the customers’ locations, including military men from Ukraine’s Armed Forces and other military units.”
According to UNN, the police provided the civil servant with a notice of’suspicion of supporting the aggressor state,’ and the punishment is presently being considered.
Ivan Rudyi was arrested on December 19, 2024, without bail for aiding the activities of the Russian casino Pin Up. The court recommends incarceration.
The troubles go back even further, with 1Xbet only sanctioned in 2023 after President Zelensky and the Bureau of Economic Security intervened.
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