The ESBU tried to organize the illegal online casino network in Kyiv

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in Kyiv have completed a pre-trial investigation in a criminal proceeding and submitted an indictment to the court against suspects who organized illegal gambling activities in the capital. The total turnover of illegal online casinos and betting resources amounted to approximately 83 million UAH.

According to the investigation, a group of individuals created and administered a network of illegal online casinos and betting platforms. Access to these websites was provided without any licenses and outside state control.

To accept bets and pay out winnings, they utilized a P2P transfer system—players transferred funds directly to the bank cards of front persons (mules). Subsequently, the funds were accumulated, withdrawn as cash, or converted into cryptocurrency or foreign currency.

Currently, ESBU detectives have concluded the pre-trial investigation regarding two suspects who managed the 'offices' in Poltava. Specifically, incriminating testimony was obtained regarding the specifics of p2p transfers, payment flow control, the use of specialized apps ('push readers') for automatic transaction confirmation, 'black' bookkeeping, and reporting to the organizers.

The suspects were notified of suspicion under Part 2 of the Art. 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (engaging in illegal gambling activities) and Part 3 of Article. 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (legalization (laundering) of proceeds of crime on a particularly large scale).

The pre-trial investigation regarding other suspects is ongoing. Additional participants in the criminal scheme are being identified to be brought to justice.

Procedural guidance is provided by prosecutors of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office, with operational support from the Main Directorate of Counterintelligence Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Countering Terrorism Financing of the Department of Protection of National Statehood of the Security Service of Ukraine.