Anjouan iGaming Licenses Deemed Illegal

The Australian news outlet published an investigation into a network of companies selling fake gambling licenses in the name of the island of Anjouan (Comoros). According to the Central Bank of the Comoros, the local regulators are fictitious entities operating illegally.

Fake Regulators on Anjouan

Two main entities operate on the island. The Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority (AOFA) was stripped of its status as a recognized regulator under Comoros banking laws in 2013 and 2015, but continued to operate through the company Anjouan Corporate Services, linked to British national Ronnie Dvorkin and the Sorsky family.

In 2023, the company Anjouan Licensing Services emerged, creating the regulator Gaming Control Anjouan (GCA). Its domains were registered via the Costa Rican company Fast Offshore owned by Ron Mendelson. Since its founding, the company claims to have issued over 1,300 gambling licenses at around €17,000 per year each, potentially generating up to €22 million annually.

Illegal Activity and Warnings

Former Attorney General of the Comoros, Azad Mzé, confirmed that Anjouan Licensing Services is an illegal entity. Local authorities emphasize that the island’s regulators are fictitious organizations acting illegally, yet the network of companies continues to sell hundreds of licenses, earning millions of dollars per year.

History and Questionable Companies

AOFA was created by the separatist government of Anjouan in 1997 but immediately faced legitimacy issues. After reunification with the Comoros, AOFA was officially stripped of recognized regulator status, but it continued to maintain a public register of licensed companies, including banks, insurance firms, brokers, and gambling sites.

Anjouan Corporate Services operates through a “sole authorized agent,” does not disclose directors or contact information, and representatives, including “Toby S,” use foreign phone numbers. Connections to British nationals Ronnie and Adam Dvorkin, as well as the Sorsky family, are confirmed through documents and participation in international conferences.

Costa Rica Connection and Licensing

The sister company Anjouan Licensing Services registered two domains in May 2023: one for the new GCA regulator, and another for selling gambling licenses. Registration records show the involvement of Costa Rican company Fast Offshore and Canadian Ron Mendelson, who publishes articles and ads promoting Anjouan as a destination for opening online casinos and obtaining licenses.

Target Audience and Market

Despite warnings from the Comoros Central Bank, online casinos continue to attract customers, including Australians. Examples include Leon Casino, which advertises Anjouan licenses, hosts VIP events, and partners with local influencers while offering products banned in Australia.

Risks for Players

Using these licenses allows casinos to accept player deposits but provides no real oversight or regulation. Local and international authorities warn about the high risks of engaging with such companies, including potential loss of funds and lack of legal recourse.