Russian authorities detain 24 over illegal gambling payment network

Russian authorities have detained 24 individuals in connection with an alleged financial services platform that processed transactions for multiple illegal online casinos.

The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) acted in cooperation with the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation and a criminal case has been opened.

Authorities allege the platform facilitated transaction processing for a range of online casino brands including Pin-Up, Pinco, FreshCasino, Leon, MelBet, MostBet, PlayFortuna, Punch, RioBet, Shangrilla, WhyCasino, iWin, Azino, WinWin and 888Casino.

An FSB statement reads: “During searches conducted at the residential addresses of 24 organised crime group members and four office buildings belonging to them, cash and luxury items, including expensive vehicles, were seized. Preventive measures have been imposed against them and their property has been seized.”

According to the FSB, the network provided payment services that enabled thousands of gambling-related transactions.

Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said forensic examinations have been ordered to determine the amount of criminally obtained income. Authorities added that several of the group’s leaders and key participants have been placed in custody while others remain wanted.

The case forms part of a wider action against financial infrastructure supporting illegal gambling operations in Russia.

Russia has proposed new legislation to speed up enforcement against illegal gambling sites by reducing the review period for identifying and processing gambling-related domains from five working days to two.

Recently, the Russian Ministry of Finance issued a Draft Order requiring operators to display prominent gambling-risk warnings on websites and in advertising.

Furthermore, Russia’s self-exclusion register is expected to begin operating on 1 September 2026.