Unlicensed online poker: ESBU in the Lviv region refers the case to the court

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine in the Lviv region have referred an indictment to court regarding a participant in an illegal online gambling scheme.

The pre-trial investigation established that between May and October 2021, a group of individuals organized gambling activities in the form of online poker. The suspects created a closed poker club and managed its operations through mobile applications and messengers. Access to the game was granted to a limited circle of individuals after a preliminary screening. Participants purchased virtual chips with real funds, while the organizers earned a profit in the form of "rake" — a commission for participating in the game.

One of the participants was responsible for administering the process: attracting players, communication, technical support, and reporting. The organizer coordinated the activities, controlled financial flows, and distributed the profits.

The indictment against one of the suspects has been referred to court under Part 2 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal organization and conduct of gambling activities committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy).

The materials regarding another participant have been separated into a distinct criminal proceeding. This individual has been declared wanted.

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

In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court's verdict of guilty.