Underground casino network shut down in Russia

The Ministry of Internal Affairs Media in Russia has reported that an underground network of illegal casinos has been taken down. It occurred in Yakutia, with a collaboration between three government agencies.

The parties included those from the Department of Internal Affairs, the Republic of Sakha, the FSSB, and the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia. A major reason for the task force to be put together was that it was reported that those who couldn’t pay up were extorted or victims of violence.

A video on Telegram shows a montage of police and law enforcement arresting multiple individuals involved with the underground casinos. From the Telegram, it was also revealed that those behind the network were repeat offenders, having been convicted previously. The report also states that there was a “clear hierarchy” within the group.

Sixteen members of the gang were arrested, with the two leaders also detained by police. However, the report from Telegram indicates that the case is far from over, as law enforcement tries to figure out the last few remaining members.

This isn’t the first time this has happened this year. In February, a 1.5 million ruble operation of illegal casinos was struck down. It had operated for just a few months, from September 2024 to January 2025.

Russia only allows for gambling in a few areas of the country. In 2009, it was completely outlawed everywhere but those four designated spots. Gamblers travelling there will find Altai Republic, Kaliningrad, Krasnaya Polyana, and Artyom as the primary locations of any casinos that operate legally within the country.

In April, we reported that the Russian government was cracking down on illegal casinos through a more hands-on method. A database of mules who move cash around to help fund online casinos is being created, which will halt any transactions through the Russian banking system.

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