Illegal Gambling Operation Shut Down
Law enforcement authorities have uncovered and shut down an illegal gambling network operating in Bila Tserkva, located in the Kyiv region. These unlicensed establishments were running covertly inside residential buildings, hiding their activities from public view. According to officials, the perpetrators set up three gambling venues in commercial spaces and on the ground floors of apartment complexes.
Raids and Seizures
During the raids, detectives from the Bureau of Economic Security confiscated a large amount of computer equipment, cash registers, thermal printers, and surveillance cameras. Searches were also conducted at the suspects' homes, where investigators found unofficial accounting records, cash, mobile phones, and weapons.
Members of the criminal group have already been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to illegal gambling organization and operation. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to take steps to identify all individuals involved in the criminal scheme.
Additionally, the state agency PlayCity revoked the licenses of two companies for organizing and conducting gambling activities:
- Favoryt Kazyno Kompani LLC
- Favbet VIP Kazyno LLC
The Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries also imposed a fine on All City Games (the online casino SlotCity) amounting to over 4.3 million hryvnias. A similar penalty was applied to Lymon LLC, highlighting a strengthened enforcement of gambling legislation in Ukraine.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat illegal gambling businesses that persist despite existing regulations. The measures taken—including license revocations and fines—demonstrate the state's commitment to enforcing compliance in the gambling sector, marking a significant step in regulating this industry in Ukraine.
As authorities intensify their crackdown on illegal gambling, recent actions against online casinos like SlotCity highlight the growing scrutiny of gambling operations in Ukraine. The hefty fines imposed on these platforms for regulatory violations further demonstrate the government's commitment to enforcing gambling legislation and ensuring compliance across the industry.