Law enforcement in Kyiv has shut down an illegal online casino organized by two local residents, which had a monthly profit exceeding one million hryvnias.
This is reported by Kyiv24
How the online casino scheme operated
Two Kyiv residents set up special software at home that allowed for online gambling. To attract new clients, they sent registration links to potential players via messaging apps. All financial transactions were conducted through a so-called drop network: the organizers provided players with bank details of fictitious individuals for funding their casino accounts.
Searches and consequences for the organizers
During the searches, law enforcement seized computer equipment, mobile phones, bank cards, SIM cards from mobile operators, cash, handwritten notes, as well as digital evidence of illegal activities.
“The financial operations were conducted by the suspects using a drop network, with bank accounts provided to players for replenishing their personal balance on the casino website. During the searches, computer equipment, mobile phones, bank cards, SIM cards from mobile operators, cash, as well as handwritten notes and digital evidence of the suspects’ illegal activities were seized,” the prosecutor’s office reported.
Both organizers have already been notified of suspicion under part 2 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal activity in organizing or conducting gambling, committed by a group of individuals by prior agreement. This article provides for a fine of up to 50,000 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens, along with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in specified activities for up to three years.