ESBU liquidated two illegal poker clubs in Kyiv: cash and equipment seized

ESBU liquidated two illegal poker clubs in Kyiv: cash and equipment seized

In Kyiv, the activities of two underground poker clubs operating without a license were stopped. According to the investigation, their organizers earned millions of hryvnias from illegal gambling business.

Detectives of the Territorial Administration of the ESB in Kyiv established that four residents of the capital organized the operation of underground establishments in the Holosiivskyi and Podilskyi districts.

The clubs regularly held poker tournaments and cash games. Visitors bought chips for cash, placed bets, and after the game could exchange them back for money. The organizers kept 5% commission from each pot.

During authorized searches, cash in national and foreign currency, poker tables, chips, cards, mobile phones, bank cards, and informal accounting records were seized.

One of the organizers was notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — illegal activity in organizing or conducting gambling or lotteries without the appropriate license.

The sanction of the article provides for a fine from 170 thousand to 850 thousand UAH.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by detectives of the ESB Territorial Administration in Kyiv under the procedural guidance of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.

Work to expose the illegal gambling business continues.