Ukrainian officials have banned an online casino after it was caught sending $82 million in cryptocurrency to Russia. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
cross border cooperation
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has confirmed the ban of an illegal online casino that transferred $82 million to Russia.
Those involved in the transfer are Ukrainian and Russian citizens
According to the SBU, those involved in the transfer are Ukrainian and Russian citizens. The money was sent using cryptocurrency, a popular method for criminals hoping to avoid detection and transferring money without being traced.
The Ukrainians in the group recruited soldiers, collected computer equipment, advertising support, and screened casino sponsors. They also monitored current and outgoing transactions and set up the basic casino infrastructure. Russian members of the casino filled out the management tree.
Illegal casino banned in Ukraine
A total of ten individuals – five from Ukraine and five from Russia – have been reported with suspicion under articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code.
Online gambling has been legal in Ukraine since 2020, although the site in question is not regulated and therefore illegal.
They realize they have stumbled upon an illegal multinational operation
Ukrainian officials were alerted to the size of the cross-border deal, which prompted an investigation. It was then that they realized they had stumbled upon an illegal multinational operation.
All aspects of the site, including its resources, have been blocked by the SBU. Criminals are also unable to view any financial tracking information, and the site is essentially down as investigations continue.
Ukrainian officials refused to disclose the name of the online casino.
Dealing with Russian influence
The bloody and contentious situation between Russia and Ukraine needs no introduction. Situations like the one involving illegal casino operators would always pull the flags of the authorities.
Revocation of the license of the Russian gaming company 1xBet
KRAIL, Ukraine’s national gambling and lottery regulator, announced last month that it had revoked Russia-based gaming company 1xBet’s gambling license after it was granted in April 2022, more than a month and a half after Russia staged its first invasion of Ukraine.
A petition to restore 1xBet’s license was placed on the Ukrainian president’s website in the aftermath, eventually receiving the 25,000 signatures required to force a reconsideration. 1xBet is currently trying to overturn KRAIL in court.
Ukraine also sent a letter to FIFA proposing to exclude Iran from the upcoming World Cup for its support of Russia, although this request was not approved.
