Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has apprehended the leader of the nation’s gambling authority amidst accusations of failing to annul a license held by a Russian-backed entity.
In a statement, the SBI confirmed the detention of Ivan Rudyi, the KRAIL chief, citing suspicions of his complicity with Russia and possession of a substantial amount of cocaine.
The SBI claims that Rudyi deliberately neglected to revoke the license of an undisclosed operator, even though the beneficial owner was linked to Russia and whose representatives were said to support the adversary nation.
Despite numerous expert analyses highlighting the threat posed to national security, Rudyi purportedly did not act. Additionally, various Ukrainian governmental agencies had expressed their concerns about the operator, yet no license was withdrawn.
The SBI alleges that the cited online casino continues its operations in Russia, with its beneficial owner contributing financially to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, exacerbating the conflict ongoing since 2014.
According to Ukraine’s Office of the Attorney General on Telegram, law enforcement conducted searches at Rudyi’s workplace, residence, and vehicles, confiscating evidence in the process.
Authorities reported seizing “flash drives, draft records, documents, laptops, phones, narcotics, and cash” during the raid.
Prosecutors have also detained five individuals associated with the implicated casino—including the main owner, a director, and proprietors of the trademark and domain. They have been notified of their suspicion in aiding Russia’s military efforts against Ukraine.
The SBI confirmed that authorities have confiscated over UAH2.6 billion (£491.6 million) linked to the company’s accounts.
The investigation is still underway.
As part of updates to Ukraine’s gambling laws, KRAIL will be replaced by a new agency following the approval of an amended bill by MPs in early December.
This update originally appeared on [EGR Intel](https://www.egr.global/intel/news/ukrainian-authorities-detain-gambling-regulators-ceo-over-russia-links) and can be accessed [here](https://www.egr.global/intel).