Armenian authorities raid alleged illegal gambling ring
The network is estimated to have allegedly caused state losses of about 2.4bn drams (US$6.54m).
Armenia.- The Armenian State Revenue Committee in collaboration with the National Security Service have targeted multiple locations believed to be used as disguised offices for a large-scale illegal online gambling network operating out of Yerevan. The network is estimated to have allegedly caused state losses of about 2.4bn drams (US$6.54m).
During the raids, police reportedly seized hundreds of computers, server systems, mobile phones, SIM cards, surveillance equipment and both digital and physical records. Authorities say the scale of the operation suggested a well-organised commercial network rather than isolated activity, with a layered system involving managers, team leaders and agents allegedly responsible for recruiting users and increasing betting activity.
Employees are also said to have received a mix of salaries and unreported cash payments amounting to 950m drams (US$2.59m), with authorities estimating that the undeclared income may have led to about 193m drams (US$566,228) in unpaid income tax.
Authorities allege that customer deposits were routed through intermediaries before being used to top up gaming accounts and place bets. The investigation is ongoing.
