In the capital, law enforcement officers have dismantled a large-scale network of illegal casinos, whose daily profit amounted to about half a million hryvnias. This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
According to the investigation, at least 10 closed-format gambling complexes operated in Kyiv. Access to them was only possible by prior arrangement and after verification by the administrator.
The daily profit of one establishment was about 50 thousand hryvnias, and the entire network brought the organizers almost 15 million hryvnias per month.
The organizers of the scheme turned out to be two brothers from Vinnytsia region - former police officers who, after being dismissed from law enforcement, built their own illegal business.
Dozens of people were involved in the network's work: administrators, cashiers, technicians, collectors, and people who looked for premises. A dress code, a ban on alcohol, and strict reporting in work chats were established for the staff.
Law enforcement officers found that the brothers not only developed their own network, but also “eliminated” competitors, using front persons to call the police to other illegal establishments. They may also have collaborated with the owners of other shadow casinos, receiving part of the profits in the form of “kickbacks.”
Over 70 searches were conducted as part of the investigation. Law enforcement officers seized computer equipment, mobile phones, draft accounting records, weapons, and ammunition. Everything seized was sent for examination.
Currently, 12 key participants in the criminal scheme, including the organizers, have been charged under Part 3 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal organization of gambling committed by an organized group).
