In Odesa, 6 individuals will stand trial for operating a network of illegal gambling halls and laundering UAH 14.2 million

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Odesa region have completed a pre-trial investigation regarding a co-organizer, two managers, and 3 administrators. The suspects ensured the operation of a network of illegal gambling establishments and laundered UAH 14.2 million obtained through criminal means.

During the pre-trial investigation, detectives established that the suspects accepted bets from visitors, provided access to gaming systems, and assisted with authorization and game selection. They also maintained special records of players and informed them about bonuses and promotions.

The exposed gambling establishments operated without a license or tax payments. Only verified clients could enter after a phone call. Two suspects organized the network of illegal gambling establishments, which included 27 halls. They recruited youth aged 18 to 35 for the work, who accepted bets, assisted clients, and effectively conducted the gambling activities.

The suspects also established cooperation with representatives of gaming payment systems. In exchange for the transfer of funds, they gained access to gambling games and virtual money used for their operation. During the period of illegal activity of the gambling halls, the suspects managed to launder UAH 14.2 million.

During searches of the gambling establishments, detectives seized cash, mobile phones, rough documentation, and computer equipment. The total value of the seized assets amounts to over UAH 33 million.

To ensure the reimbursement of damages caused to the state, the seized property has been placed under arrest.

Six suspects were notified of suspicion of committing a criminal offense under Part 2 of Art. 203-2 (illegal activities in the organization or conduct of gambling games, lotteries) and Part 2 of Art. 209 (legalization (laundering) of property obtained through criminal means) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Procedural guidance is carried out by prosecutors of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

As a reminder, as part of the pre-trial investigation, detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Odesa region notified 41 individuals of suspicion in 2025 regarding the organization and conduct of gambling games without a license. Eight criminal proceedings against 38 individuals have already been sent to court. To terminate the illegal activity, the court issued an arrest on 21 premises. The owners of 17 facilities terminated their lease agreements, making further use of the premises for gambling impossible.

Earlier, the ESBU signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the state agency PlayCity; in particular, they agreed on joint efforts to counteract the illegal gambling business.