Operator News
Ukraine – National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine arrests former chair of Ukraine gambling regulator
By Phil - 31 August 2021
On August 20, 2021, National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) detectives, under the procedural guidance of SAP prosecutors, detained a current member of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL) while receiving an illegal benefit in the amount of $90,000. The official demanded funds for assistance in granting permits and licenses in the gambling business.
A member of the Commission was detained in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, preliminary legal qualification – Part 3 of Art. 28, part 4 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
In the summer of 2021, as a result of the powers entrusted to the National Bureau, detectives received information about the existence of a system of obtaining illegal benefits in especially large amounts for the issuance of permits and licenses for the right to engage in gambling. In order to expose the criminal scheme, NABU, in agreement with the SAP, developed and carried out a set of covert investigative (search) actions with the participation of undercover detectives.
As part of the investigation, detectives documented evidence that a member of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries offered to provide him with illegal benefits for the adoption of decisions by him and other members of the Commission to grant permits confirming the conformity of business premises in Chernihiv and Zaporozhye region for the organization and conduct of gambling in a gambling establishment. In addition, he promised to ensure the issuance of licenses for the right to carry out gambling activities in these premises. He estimated his “services” at 90 thousand dollars. USA.
As a result of covert investigative (search) actions, a high-ranking official (who at the time of the crime was acting Chairman of the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries) was detained “on the spot” while receiving an illegal benefit in a particularly large amount.
Investigative actions are underway to expose other members of the organized criminal group.
