Unlawful gambling venue found in proximity to the ex-Press House in Omsk
In the Omsk region of Russia, law enforcement officers, supported by a special forces unit from Rosgvardia, executed a raid on a suspected illegal gambling operation. The clandestine venue was located on Bulvarnaya, a city street, near the former House of Printing, a historic site that had lost its official purpose and had become a magnet for criminal activity.
Upon entering the premises, which was active during the raid, police discovered a fully operational network gaming infrastructure. Seized items included 43 sets of computer equipment configured for online casino operation, auxiliary equipment ensuring the stability of the gaming hall, and possible client data, bets, and profits in the form of rough notes. Additionally, authorities found a working mobile phone with contacts of regular clients, the day's earnings of over 83,000 rubles stored in the cash register, and logos and software identical to those used in illegal online casinos.
The administrator of the gambling club was a 24-year-old resident of the Korolyovsky District of the Omsk Region. She was responsible for coordinating the activities of the operation, handling client entry, equipment operation, and earnings recording. Preliminary information suggests that the illegal casino began operating no earlier than March of this year, maintaining secrecy by avoiding traditional advertising channels.
Authorities are considering the possibility of initiating a criminal case under Article 171.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which deals with illegal gambling organization and conduct. They are also investigating potential links between the establishment and larger regional structures engaged in illegal gambling activities.
The raid in Omsk was part of broader law enforcement actions across several Russian cities targeting underground gambling activities disguised as lawful bookmakers. Prior cases indicate that operators can face criminal charges related to organizing and conducting illegal gambling activities as part of an organized group, potentially facing serious legal consequences, such as fines and imprisonment if found guilty.
The ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling in Russia reflects the efforts by authorities to combat these operations and their associated criminal networks, which undermine legal gambling frameworks and may involve broader criminal activities like money laundering and corruption.
What was the focus of the crime-and-justice report? It was an illegal casino-and-gambling operation concealed on Bulvarnaya, Omsk, Russia. The seized items included 43 sets of computer equipment for casino-games, client data, and large amounts of money, while the administrator, a 24-year-old resident, faced possible criminal charges under general-news articles related to illegal gambling organization and conduct.
