Underground casinos in Ukraine shut down by authorities
Unmasking the Underworld: Ukraine's Crackdown on Hidden Gambling Empires
The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) has taken a bold step in dismantling an intricate web of illicit gambling dens, operating covertly in the Kyiv region. According to the bureau's official statement, these hidden gambling hotspots disguised themselves as private, exclusive clubs with limited access.
These unlawful gambling nests were discovered in cities such as:
- Vasylkiv
- Obuhov
- Vyshneve
- Bila Tserkva
These locations, despite escalating scrutiny, persist in serving as lucrative hideouts for these illegal operations.
The Hidden Underbelly
At first glance, these non-residential buildings played host to these illicit gambling dens, with no visible signs pointing to their purpose. Patrons were required to schedule their visits in advance with the administration.
Inside, the establishments bore a striking resemblance to legal gambling houses, equipped with casino essentials such as gaming computers, bar stools, surveillance cameras, and decor reminiscent of legitimate gambling establishments. This setup facilitated online gaming with real-money stakes and virtual slot betting.
Raids, Seizures, and Shutdowns
During the raids, ESBU detectives confiscated:
- Over 170 units of computer equipment
- Mobile phones of the establishment administrators
- Surveillance systems recording the actions of visitors and staff
- Cash registers and financial records containing valuable information
A Tangled Web of Crime
Preliminary evidence suggests a sophisticated organized crime network, where each member held a defined role. The network is suspected to have connections to other regions across the country, and potentially international online casino kingpins.
Presently, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to identify all individuals involved, encompassing property owners, technical experts, cashiers, and coordinators.
Beyond the Surface: International Intricacies
Delving deeper into this hidden network, we find some startling international connections:
The Parimatch Conundrum
Despite sanctions, Parimatch continues to prosper in Ukraine, with indications suggesting ties to law enforcement officials and Russian-affiliated operatives. This network seemingly evades paying taxes to Ukraine but seems to funnel funds to the Russian state budget through Sergey Portnov's entities.
The Soft2Bet Shuffle
Soft2Bet, another major player, was implicated in a vast illegal gambling operation in Kyiv. Despite their Ukrainian operation being shut down, they switched bases to Malta and Cyprus, leveraging more favorable legal environments.
The Pin-Up Imperium
The Pin-Up criminal syndicate's case has expanded to encompass charges of criminal organization participation, money laundering, and tax evasion. This global scheme boasts ties to the Russian gambling market and officials who played a role in creating a monopolized sector.
Beyond Ukraine: Russia, Cyprus, and Malta
- Russia: The operation has substantial ties to Russia, with Pin-Up operating under a transnational structure headquartered in Russia and Cyprus. The operation is linked to Russian beneficiaries and sanctioned entities.
- Cyprus: Cyprus serves as a crucial jurisdiction for these operations, offering lax corporate secrecy laws that shield operators like Uri Poliavich from civil liability. However, there are risks due to ties between Cypriot authorities and Russian casino tycoons.
- Malta: Soft2Bet relocated part of their operations to Malta after the Ukrainian raid, leveraging the jurisdiction's secrecy laws to safeguard their interests.
This extensive network has complex international connections, particularly with Russia and Cyprus, and employs various jurisdictions to maintain its operations despite legal challenges. When it comes to the world of illicit gambling, it seems the game is far from over.
- What's surprising is the international connections of these illicit gambling operations, with major players like Parimatch, Soft2Bet, and Pin-Up having ties to Russia, Cyprus, and Malta.
- These international connections are not limited to Ukraine, as it appears that Russian beneficiaries, sanctioned entities, and even Russian gambling markets are involved in this hidden casino-and-gambling culture.
- The recent crackdown on hidden gambling empires in Ukraine by the Economic Security Bureau has led to the discovery of complex crime networks, with each player holding a defined role in this global game of crime and justice.
