More than 2,500 gambling websites blocked - Office of the Prosecutor General

As of April 2024, more than 2,500 websites providing gambling activities have been blocked in Ukraine, and more than 450 criminal offenses are being investigated for their illegal organization, reports the Office of the Prosecutor General.

“As of April 2024, more than 450 criminal offenses are being investigated for the illegal organization of gambling. Suspicion was reported to 21 people. Indictments against 72 people have been sent to the court, including 7 indictments against 68 members of criminal groups,” says a statement published on the website of the Office of the Prosecutor General.

“As a result of recommendations sent by law enforcement officers to block illegal resources, more than 2,500 websites were blocked that supported gambling activities and hosted online casino resources without an appropriate license,” the message notes.

In 2023, law enforcement officers registered 169 offenses related to the illegal organization of gambling, and 74 persons were informed of suspicion. 52 indictments against 97 people were sent to the court. More than 7,000 pieces of computer and other equipment were seized, about 500 searches and 700 inspections of addresses were conducted. The activities of 10 casinos have ceased. 10 indictments were sent to the court against 42 individuals who are members of criminal groups.

“Prosecutors also provide procedural guidance in proceedings against a number of large companies involved in the organization and operation of illegal online casinos. Among the examples: procedural guidance is provided in criminal proceedings for the laundering of funds from illegal online gambling for a total amount of UAH 4.8 billion,” the message states.

In addition, law enforcement officers are carrying out a pre-trial investigation against a sanctioned legal entity, which, being under the control of structures and citizens of the Russian Federation, organized and carried out illegal bookmaking activities based on the resources of an international bookmaker's office.

As reported, on April 20, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky enacted the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine “On countering the negative consequences of gambling on the Internet.”