In Kyiv, two illegal online casinos disguised as internet cafes were exposed

In Kyiv, two illegal online casinos disguised as internet cafes were exposed

In Kyiv, law enforcement officers uncovered the organizers of two illegal online casinos. The operators, caught red-handed by the detectives of the Bureau of Economic Security, were profiting from gambling activities in establishments operating under the guise of internet cafes in the Holosiivskyi and Desnianskyi districts. Two Kyiv residents have been notified of suspicions regarding the illegal activities; however, the investigation is still ongoing, so there may be other persons involved.

The exposure of the two casinos masquerading as internet cafes was reported by the Bureau of Economic Security. The organizers, two men, are charged with organizing and conducting gambling activities without the appropriate license (Part 1 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). This article provides for a fine ranging from 170,000 to 850,000 UAH.

The investigation established that the online establishments were operating without state registration and licensing, and their activities were disguised as internet cafes. The violators provided clients access to gambling through computer terminals with special software.

During searches at the gaming venues located in the Holosiivskyi and Desnianskyi districts of Kyiv, detectives seized computer equipment used for illegal activities. Additionally, law enforcement officers conducted searches at the residences of the case’s subjects. Currently, the pre-trial investigation is ongoing under the procedural guidance of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.