Massive blocking of gambling websites in Ukraine: more than 2500 resources blocked
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, Ukrainian cyber specialists, on the recommendation of law enforcement agencies, blocked more than 2,500 websites that were engaged in illegal gambling or operating online casinos without proper licenses. As of April 2024, more than 450 criminal offenses related to the illegal organization of gambling are under investigation, and 21 people have already been served with a notice of suspicion.
Over the past year, 169 such offenses were registered in Ukraine, with 74 people charged. As a result, about 500 searches were conducted and more than 7,000 pieces of computer and other equipment were seized. The seized materials resulted in the closure of 10 casinos and the submission of 10 indictments against 42 members of criminal groups to the court.
In addition, several large companies involved in the organization and operation of illegal online casinos are being investigated. One of these investigations concerns the legalization of approximately UAH 4.8 billion obtained from illegal online gambling. The pre-trial investigation into the activities of the sanctioned company, which, being under the control of Russian entities and citizens, was engaged in illegal betting activities, is also ongoing.
