Crackdown on Underground Gambling Operations in Kyiv
Law enforcement has uncovered a criminal group led by two former police officers that established a network of 10 gambling establishments in the capital. These underground venues operated exclusively for select clients. Just in one day, their business generated at least half a million hryvnias. Investigators have already filed charges against key figures involved.
According to operational information, the daily income of one establishment averaged around 50,000 hryvnias. The entire network of gambling venues brought in approximately half a million hryvnias per day, which amounts to nearly 15 million hryvnias monthly. The organizers were two brothers from Vinnytsia, who previously served in investigative units. After leaving the police, they chose a life of crime.
The brothers enlisted others, including men and women, to assist in organizing the gambling network. Some participants acted as administrators, while others found premises for new branches and handled profit collection. One conspirator was responsible for the technical maintenance of the establishments. The criminals also employed methods to "eliminate" competitors by calling the police to their venues through decoys. Staff were rigorously selected and trained to adhere to client interaction protocols.
Entry to the establishments was only possible by prior arrangement, after the administrator verified that there were no law enforcement tails following the client. Additionally, the organizers collaborated with other "shadow" gambling venues that agreed to pay a percentage to operate within the brothers' network.
With the support of rapid response units, law enforcement conducted over 70 sanctioned searches. During these operations, they uncovered and seized computer equipment, mobile phones, accounting materials, weapons, and ammunition. The seized items have been sent for forensic examination. Currently, the main 12 figures have been charged under parts 3 of article 28 and 2 of article 203-2 of the Criminal Code. They are accused of organizing illegal gambling activities as part of an organized group.
The investigation is ongoing, and based on the results of the examinations, additional legal qualifications may be applied to the actions of the figures involved. The Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office is overseeing the procedural management.
