Arrest of underground gambling halls in Kyiv
The Economic Security Bureau initiated the arrest of several premises in Kyiv where underground gambling halls operated. As part of this operation, suspects have been announced for the organizers who, according to law enforcement, created a network of illegal establishments. A group of five individuals was engaged in organizing gambling business, which has been prohibited in Ukraine since 2009.
Actions of law enforcement authorities
To implement this operation, 20 sanctioned searches were conducted. The Economic Security Bureau notes that renting premises to illegal gambling establishments or ignoring their actual use may lead to the arrest of the property. This statement highlights the seriousness of law enforcement's approach to combating illegal gambling business.
It is worth noting that in December 2019, the then Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov instructed to close all gambling establishments in Ukraine. Additionally, Gennady Novikov, a representative of the Economic Security Bureau, pointed out the necessity to block shadow payment instruments used by illegal online casinos in Ukraine. These actions indicate the intensification of the state's efforts to combat illegal gambling business.
The actions taken by the Economic Security Bureau indicate an escalation in the fight against illegal gambling business in Ukraine, which remains a pressing issue for law enforcement agencies. Given previous attempts to eliminate such establishments, new measures may become an important step towards ensuring legality in this field. Further results of this operation could significantly impact the situation with illegal gambling in the country.