Azerbaijani authorities have shut down an illegal online casino network, detaining four individuals suspected of running unlicensed gambling platforms. The operation was carried out by the Main Department for Combating Cybercrime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had collaborated with illegal gambling sites based abroad. They set up so-called virtual cash desks in Azerbaijan and used social media pages to attract users to unlicensed online casinos.
During searches, electronic evidence, bank cards and mobile phones were seized. All items have been added to the ongoing criminal case, and the detainees have been formally arrested.
Law enforcement has warned the public to avoid illegal online casinos and gambling platforms on the internet and social media.
They emphasise that participating in unlicensed gambling can lead to financial losses and legal consequences. Authorities advise individuals to use licensed gambling platforms for a safer experience.
The crackdown underscores the rising difficulty authorities face in policing online gambling, as illegal operators adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to target players.
Azerbaijan only allows a small number of licensed gambling operators, mostly land-based, with online gambling strictly restricted to state-sanctioned channels.
The problem of illegal gambling is not limited to Azerbaijan. In neighbouring Turkey, authorities have also taken action against unlicensed operations.
Recently, Turkish prosecutors issued arrest warrants for 72 individuals accused of involvement in an illegal sports betting operation that reportedly generated €66m in revenue, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Last year, Azerbaijan’s Parliament approved legislation authorising the development of casino resorts on artificial islands in the Caspian Sea
