Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) has launched an international search for blogger Ilyar Yuvashov. According to the investigation, Yuvashov was involved in creating and managing a network of online casinos, including the platform mellstroy.game.
The FMA reported: “From 2024–2025, Yuvashov I.S. participated in creating and managing a network of online casinos, including mellstroy.game.
“To legalise financial flows and conceal operations, 22 shell companies were registered and POS terminals and electronic payment systems were used to receive player funds totalling more than KZT 3.6bn ($7.56m).”
Authorities are urging citizens to provide any information regarding Yuvashov’s whereabouts and have assured anonymity while offering rewards for useful tips.
Meanwhile, Belarusian blogger Andrey Burim, also known as Mellstroy, is under international investigation for promoting the same network through social media campaigns.
Late last year, it was announced that the FMA was considering introducing criminal penalties for influencers involved in promoting online gambling.
Last month, authorities uncovered an illegal online gambling operation reportedly generating over KZT 3.1bn.
Players were recruited via Telegram and WhatsApp, where promotional materials, videos and incentives were used to attract participants.
At the same time, pressure is increasing on legal providers. Betting shops and totalisators will be required from 27 March 2026 to transfer 3.3% of each accepted bet.
The funds raised will be used to develop sports, support Olympic programmes, finance public initiatives and maintain the national unified system for betting transactions.
At the beginning of this month, Kazakhstani President Tokayev signed a law establishing four new gambling zones in the country
