Kazakhstan's Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) has completed a criminal investigation into aiding the illegal organization of online casino operations. According to investigators, transactions totaling KZT 191 billion were processed through the payment infrastructure of three controlled companies.
How Did the Scheme Operate?
According to the FMA, hundreds of payment terminals located across various banks in Kazakhstan were used to process transactions.
The payments were carried out on behalf of foreign online casinos, including:
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Nomadgames;
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Sultangames;
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Pinco;
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Pin-UP;
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Vavada;
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Mostbet;
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1WIN.
The estimated commission earned from processing these transactions amounted to KZT 286 million.
How Were the Payments Disguised?
According to investigators, the individuals involved used the payment details of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, in some cases without their knowledge.
Online payment acquiring terminals were registered under their names, while fictitious contracts and websites created the appearance of legitimate payments for goods and services.
In reality, the funds were transferred to foreign counterparties, including through cryptocurrency transactions.
As a result, payments associated with online casino activities were disguised as ordinary commercial transactions.
What Measures Have Been Taken?
The alleged organizer has been placed in pre-trial detention as part of the criminal proceedings.
With court authorization, authorities seized four vehicles and KZT 103 million in cash.
The investigation has been completed, and the criminal case has been referred to court.
The FMA stated that further information cannot be disclosed under Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Source: Financial Monitoring Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan
