A group of criminals led by two former police officers established 10 underground gambling venues in various districts of the capital. These establishments operated in a closed format, catering exclusively to select clients. The business generated at least half a million hryvnias in profit per day. Law enforcement authorities have already issued suspicions to the main figures involved. Investigators and operatives from the National Police have dismantled the criminal group that created its own gambling "industry" in the city.
According to operational information, the daily income of each venue averaged around 50,000 hryvnias. The entire network brought in approximately half a million hryvnias daily, totaling nearly 15 million hryvnias monthly. The masterminds behind this illegal operation were two brothers from Vinnytsia, who had previously served in investigative units of the police. After leaving the law enforcement agency, they turned to crime as a means of making money.
The brothers involved others in their illegal activities, including men and women who assisted in organizing the operation of the gambling network throughout Kyiv. Some of the participants acted as administrators, while others sourced premises for new "branches" and managed cash collections. They also employed tactics for "eliminating" competitors by calling the police to their venues through undercover individuals. Staff were meticulously selected and trained on how to interact with clients. A strict dress code was enforced, alcohol consumption was prohibited at the workplace, and mandatory reporting was required in the work chat. Comfortable conditions were created for clients to encourage gambling and continuous spending of money. Access to the venues was granted only by prior arrangement, after administrators ensured that no law enforcement agents were following the client. Additionally, the organizers could cooperate with other "shadow" gambling establishments that agreed to pay a kickback for the opportunity to operate within the brothers' network.
With physical support from the Department of Internal Security, law enforcement conducted over 70 authorized searches. As a result of these operations, computers and other equipment used in the illegal gambling halls, mobile phones, as well as accounting documents, weapons, and ammunition were seized. The confiscated items have been sent for forensic examination. Currently, 12 main suspects have been charged under Part 3 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 203-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for the unlawful organization of gambling by an organized group.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional legal qualifications may be provided based on the results of the examinations. The Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office oversees the proceedings.
