A Kazakhstani influencer has been arrested in Vietnam on suspicion of running an illegal gambling operation, according to reports.
Authorities said he repeatedly shared online casino promotional videos on social media to encourage users to gamble.
Officials allege the scheme generated more than KZT 100m ($210,538) in illegal profits, with funds reportedly transferred to a cryptocurrency wallet linked to the suspect.
The individual, who had been placed on an international wanted list by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, was detained in the coastal city of Cam Ranh following coordination between Interpol and Vietnamese law enforcement agencies.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has said extradition proceedings are now being considered.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) is carrying out an international search for influencer Ilyar Yuvashov in connection with an alleged network of online casinos.
Authorities say the network used 22 shell companies to process more than KZT 3.6bn in player funds.
Belarusian influencer Andrey Burim, also known as Mellstroy, is reportedly under international investigation for promoting the same network through social media campaigns.
The cases highlight the growing international focus on tackling online gambling promotion networks.
Late last year, the FMA also said it was considering introducing criminal penalties for influencers involved in promoting online gambling.
At the same time, regulatory pressure on licensed operators is increasing. Betting shops and totalisators are required to transfer 3.3% of each accepted bet from 27 March 2026, with the proceeds allocated to sports development, public initiatives and the maintenance of the national betting transaction system.
Kazakhstani President Tokayev signed a law in March establishing four new gambling zones in the country
