Illegal casino network uncovered in Odesa by BES, five arrested
Ukraine’s Bureau of Economic Security (BES) has arrested five individuals involved in operating an illicit chain of gaming parlors in the southern city of Odesa, according to a press release on Aug. 28.
According to the statement, assets exceeding 2.4 million hryvnias ($65,000) were confiscated during the operation. All five men operated without valid licenses.
Their establishments were discreetly located on the ground floors of residential buildings in Odesa, ensuring entry only to insiders or those with prearranged access.
In the process of executing search and seizure protocols, law enforcement agents impounded the organizers’ vehicles and confiscated over 200 computer systems, monitors, computing paraphernalia, as well as surveillance cameras.
Gambling is technically legal in Ukraine; however, much of the industry remains in a grey area or operates outside of the law entirely.
Holders of gambling licenses must have a share capital of at least ₴30.7 million ($1.1 million) and cannot be controlled by Russian residents, nor have a Russian person as a shareholder or ultimate beneficial owner.
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