Combating gambling and online casinos without a license: more than 2500 websites blocked, 450 criminal cases opened

More than 2,500 websites that supported illegal gambling and online casinos without a license have been blocked on the recommendations of law enforcement, and more than 450 criminal offenses are being investigated for illegal gambling organization, the Office of the Prosecutor General reported, UNN reports.

As a result of law enforcement recommendations to block illegal resources, more than 2,500 websites that provided gambling activities and hosted online casino resources without a license have been blocked.

Details

As indicated, more than 450 criminal offenses related to illegal gambling activities are currently under investigation. A total of 21 people have been notified of suspicion, and indictments have been sent to court against 72 people, including 7 indictments against 68 members of criminal groups, the prosecutor's office said.

In 2023, 169 criminal offenses in this area were reportedly registered. Suspicion was served on 74 people, and 52 indictments were submitted to the court, involving 97 people. During the investigation, more than 7,000 pieces of equipment were confiscated, about 500 searches and 700 addresses were inspected. The activities of 10 casinos were also suspended, and 10 indictments against 42 members of criminal groups were sent to court, the agency added.

Prosecutors, as noted, are also overseeing investigations involving several large companies involved in the creation and operation of illegal online casinos.

In particular, they are reportedly managing the process in a criminal case related to the legalization of funds in the amount of UAH 4.8 billion received from illegal online gambling. In addition, as indicated, a pre-trial investigation is being conducted against a company under sanctions and controlled by Russian entities and citizens, which organized and conducted illegal betting activities through the resources of an international bookmaker.

Recall

President Zelenskiy signed a decree to counteract the negative effects of online gambling by restricting advertising, setting limits, monitoring, blocking illegal sites, and introducing restrictions for military personnel.