Ukraine Blocks 2,500 Unlicensed Gambling Websites
Ukraine’s Gambling Regulator to Be Dissolved
The latest figures from the prosecutor general’s office come just a few days after the Ukrainian parliament voted to dissolve the country’s gambling regulator, KRAIL. This vote was held on April 24 after the submission of Draft Law No 9256 and it was backed by 272 lawmakers.
Draft Law No 9256 was first submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Fedorov in 2023 and it must now go through a second reading and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s signature before it becomes law. Additionally, the bill includes measures to further restrict gambling in Ukraine. It proposes new safeguarding tools to protect those at risk of gambling harm and a ban on gambling advertisements.
2,500 unlicensed gambling websites are blocked in Ukraine.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The prosecutor general’s office in Ukraine working together with law enforcement has blocked 2,500 unlicensed gambling websites.
Official figures have been published by the prosecutor general’s office regarding its efforts to block illegal gambling in 2023 and 2024. The figures show that as of this month, more than 450 alleged gambling offences are under investigation. Furthermore, indictments of 72 people have been sent to court and seven of the charges relate to 68 criminal gang members. This year, 76 criminal offences have been recorded so far.
Related: Ukraine bans military personnel from gambling
According to the prosecutor general’s office, in 2023, 169 illegal gambling offences were registered while 52 indictments against 97 people were sent to court. Furthermore, in excess of 7,000 pieces of equipment were seized in 2023 and roughly 500 searches were conducted.
There were 700 addresses investigated for illegal gambling in 2023 and ten casinos were shut down. There were also ten charges against 42 members of criminal gangs brought to court.
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Investigations Ongoing into Legal Operator
It was revealed that the prosecutor general’s office is conducting a pre-trial investigation into an unnamed legal entity. It is alleged that the entity ran illegal gambling activities using an international operator’s office. When the offence took place, the entity was reportedly under the control of the Russian Federation.
At present, prosecutors are offering advice on legal actions against companies accused of running illegal online casinos. In one instance, advice pertains to a case involving the legalization of funds obtained from illegal online gambling, amounting to UAH 4.8 billion (£96.9 million/€113.0 million/$120.9 million).
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
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