In the city of Zhytomyr, the SBU blocked the activities of a group, which established underground gambling houses. Law enforcement officers are checking information on the use of part of the profit for financing terrorism.

Allegedly, the group consisted of six residents of Zhytomyr. The offenders rented premises using front persons and set up several illegal gambling halls in Zhytomyr downtown.

Clients could visit the gambling halls after an advanced request and upon the recommendation of regular visitors only.

According to the intelligence, daily turnover amounted up to UAH 100,000 (USD 3,572). To launder money, the offenders used subordinate firms.

During searches of the underground gambling halls and organizers and group members’ residences, law enforcement officers seized 48 computers with unlicensed software, network equipment, bank cards and seals of controlled companies involved in illegal schemes, off-the-book financial records and customer base, and money obtained by criminal means.

The criminal proceedings were initiated for gambling and financing of terrorism. Investigation is ongoing to establish all circumstances of the case and bringing to justice all persons involved.

The operation was carried out under the legal supervision of the Zhytomyr Region Prosecutor's Office.