Based on materials from the ESBU, the “Curator of Bessarabia,” who organized an underground poker club, will be tried

 Detectives from the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau in the Odesa region have completed an investigation into five members of a criminal group. They ran an illegal poker club in Izmail.

According to the investigation, the gambling establishment was organized by a resident known in criminal circles as the “Curator of Bessarabia.” He influenced local groups and controlled a “common fund” to which he transferred part of the illegal profits.

The underground establishment operated under the guise of a sports club, without signs or advertising. Only trusted visitors were allowed to play.

During the searches, detectives seized poker tables, cards, chips, computers, video cameras, rough notes, telephones, and cash—amounting to US$22,000, UAH 60,000, and €5,600. The court seized the confiscated property, valued at approximately UAH 1.6 million.

The ESBU detectives served the organizer with a notice of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 255-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (intentional establishment and dissemination of criminal influence) and Part 2 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (organization of illegal gambling). His four accomplices were charged under Part 2 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal activities related to the organization or conduct of gambling and lotteries). The indictment has been sent to court.

Operational support was provided by employees of the Strategic Investigations Department in the Odesa region of the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine. Procedural guidance was provided by prosecutors from the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.