In Kyiv, the SSU jointly with the ESBU uncovered a large-scale scheme of laundering illicit gambling profits.

A year after russia’s full-scale invasion, the offenders laundered almost UAH 5 bln (USD 136 mln).

According to the investigation, the owners and managers of one of Kyiv's commercial banks were involved in organizing the fraud.

To implement the scheme, its organizers created more than 20 controlled companies that opened accounts in the said financial institution.

These accounts were used to deposit money to gambling accounts.

At the same time, the "payment purpose" was indicated as payment for non-existent goods and services.

The offenders had their own profit from each transaction, which they cashed out through affiliated companies.

Based on the evidence collected, three high-ranking officials of the bank, including its co-owner, were served with a notice of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 203-2.2 (illegal activities in the organization or conduct of gambling and lotteries);
• 209-3 (legalization (laundering) of proceeds of crime).

The court is to decide on a measure of restraint. The investigation is ongoing. The offenders are facing up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The SSU reminds that in March 2023, the National Bank revoked the license of a financial institution controlled by the suspects.

The operational and investigative activities are conducted under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office in cooperation with the National Bank of Ukraine, State Tax Service of Ukraine and State Financial Monitoring Service.