Organizers of Online Casino Access Scheme Detained in Bishkek

Who Was Detained

In Bishkek, police shut down the activities of a group that was providing access to online casinos, which are banned in Kyrgyzstan.

According to the Bishkek Department of Internal Affairs, three young men were detained:

• B.E., born in 2003 (22 years old)
• N.K., born in 2004 (21 years old)
• R.N., born in 2004 (21 years old)

All of them were placed in a temporary detention facility. A criminal case was initiated under Article 219 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic: Organization or maintenance of a gambling den.

How the Scheme Worked

The detainees created and distributed websites providing access to illegal gambling. Users could access these sites for a fee, processed through anonymous channels.

The scheme worked as follows:

• Development of websites with access to online casinos
• Collection and purchase of debit cards issued to third parties
• Connection to personal accounts in banking and financial apps
• Use of e-wallets registered to Kyrgyz citizens
• Processing payments and withdrawing funds via Telegram channels

What the Police Seized

During the searches, the following were discovered:

All devices and cards were used to operate the scheme.

Possible Punishment

Depending on the amount of income received and the scale of the illegal activity, the suspects may face:

• A fine
• Restriction of freedom for up to 5 years
• Imprisonment

The Bishkek Department of Internal Affairs also reminded the public: participating in such schemes — even by handing over your own bank card — can lead to serious consequences.