Illegitimate Gambling Establishments Found in Norilsk, Krasnodar, and Novo Kuzneck
Picking Up Another Illegally Run Casino in Norilsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai
Getting a peek under the radar of underground gambling establishments is no easy feat but just recently, the city of Norilsk in the chilly north of Krasnoyarsk Krai, revealed yet another hidden casino. The local law enforcement had no choice but to shut down this covert operation.
A 34-year-old resident, who took the lead in organizing the illicit business, transformed a former café building in Talnakh into a bustling gambling den. Cops stormed the place with a surprise raid and caught the casino in full swing, with eager gamblers present as evidence of the illegal activity.
In this clandestine operation, police seized:
- A dozen monitors
- A dozen system units
- A video recorder
- A smartphone
- A cash stash amounting to 28,500 rubles
As per authorities:
Underground Gambling Den Closed Down on 40 Years of Victory Street, Krasnodar
Dating back to the start of this year, an illicit gambling joint popped up on 40 Years of Victory Street, Krasnodar. The authorities finally caught wind of the activity when they raided the premises.
Two operators, aged 41 and 43, rented the property, mirroring the methods of other organizers:
- Procuring necessary equipment
- Recruiting three accomplices
- Assigning roles: managers and administrators took the lead, while technical operations were handled by the fifth associate
- Sharing profits among the team
The cops paid a surprise visit in late August. Investigators seized crucial evidence from the casino and the suspects’ residences, including hard drives, mobile phones, and documentation detailing the illicit activities.
According to the press release from the Investigative Committee of the Krasnodar Territory:
Fine Awaits Novokuznetsk Woman for Unlicensed Gambling Operations
An 18-year-old resident of Novokuznetsk decided to take her chances with an illegal gambling den and engaged in unauthorized gambling activities following the installation of gaming equipment in a rented apartment back in February 2022.
Russian authorities, through the Investigative Committee of Kuzbass, reported the seizure of over a dozen gaming equipment units, confirmed by experts, during a routine search of the rented premises. The suspect's cooperation and admission of guilt lead to a less stringent sentence: a fine.
On a serious note, keep in mind that the distribution, purchase, and organization of illegal gambling activities are criminal offenses in Russia. Take all precautions and consult legal experts to ensure compliance with the law.
Thepersistent Shadow of Illegal Gambling in Russia
Despite the unlawfulness of online gambling, particularly casinos, in Russia, enforcing the ban remains challenging. The Russian Government is taking measures to restrict and shut down these illegal operations, including blocking specific websites and prohibiting the use of cryptocurrencies in gambling transactions[1][2]. However, due to corruption within the law enforcement and the ongoing protection of these establishments, underground gambling continues to thrive, especially in Moscow[3].
A few recent reports reveal broader attempts to combat illegal gambling, such as Russia's initiative to establish a national database to track and analyze these operations[4]. Nevertheless, specific details on actions in Krasnoyarsk Krai and Krasnodar remain elusive amidst the ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling networks in the country.
- What about an illegal casino operation in Krasnoyarsk, officers found a gambling hotspot hidden in a former café building on an unassuming street?
- In the city of Krasnodar, another clandestine casino-and-gambling den was shut down on 40 Years of Victory Street, marking another instance of general news surrounding crime and justice.
- It seems the problem of underground gambling isn't limited to cities alone, as a Novokuznetsk woman faces a potential fine for running an illegal gambling den within her residence.
- Regrettably, the persistent shadow of illegal gambling in Russia persists, even in the face of stringent measures from the Government, with corruption within the law enforcement and ongoing protection of these establishments making enforcement challenging.
