As of April 2024 in Ukraine blocked more than 2 500 websites that provided the activity of gambling, also investigated more than 450 criminal offenses on the facts of their illegal organization, reports the Office of the Prosecutor General.
“As of April 2024, more than 450 criminal offenses are being investigated for illegal organization of gambling. Suspicion of 21 persons has been reported. The indictments against 72 people, including 7 indictments against 68 participants of criminal groups were sent to court,” – said in the message published on the website of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
“According to the results of recommendations sent by law enforcers to block illegal resources so far blocked more than 2,500 websites that provided the activity of conducting gambling and which hosted online casino resources without the appropriate license,” – noted in the message.
In 2023, law enforcers registered 169 offenses on the facts of illegal organization of gambling, 74 persons were notified of suspicion. 52 indictments against 97 people were sent to court. Law enforcers seized more than 7 thousand units of computer and other equipment, conducted about 500 searches and 700 inspections of addresses. The activity of 10 casinos was stopped. 10 indictments were sent to court against 42 people who are members of criminal groups.
“Prosecutors also provide procedural guidance in proceedings on a number of large companies involved in the organization and operation of illegal online casinos. Among examples: provided procedural guidance in criminal proceedings on the legalization of funds from illegal online gambling for a total of UAH 4.8 billion,” – stated in the message.
In addition, law enforcers are carrying out a pre-trial investigation into the sub-sanctioned legal entity, which is under the control of structures and citizens of the Russian Federation, organized and conducted illegal betting activities on the basis of resources of the international bookmaker’s office.
As reported, on April 20, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky enacted the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine “On countering the negative consequences of gambling on the Internet”.