Kazakhstan Detains Organizers of Illegal iGaming Streams

The Department of the Financial Monitoring Agency of Kazakhstan identified a group of individuals in Shymkent who, over a two-year period, conducted sessions of the card game “Trinka” during live broadcasts via accounts named TauBrat on TikTok and YouTube, accepting real-money bets from viewers.

Illegal Streams on TikTok and YouTube

The suspects organized an illegal online gambling business using live streams on TikTok and YouTube. The game “Trinka” was held on a regular basis, with viewers placing cash bets during the broadcasts.

Use of Mules to Withdraw Funds

To cash out and legalize the proceeds, the organizers used money mules, in whose names bank cards were issued. These cards were used to withdraw funds obtained from betting.

Income and Seizure of Property

Over two years of activity, the group’s total income exceeded 93 million tenge, equivalent to more than USD 180,000. The funds were used to purchase a Hyundai Sonata car and a residential house with a land plot.

Court-Ordered Measures

By court order, the specified property has been seized. Two of the detainees have been placed in custody for a period of two months.

About the Gambling Game

“Trinka” (also known as “Seka”) is a gambling card game in which the objective is to reach a total score as close as possible to 31 without exceeding it. The game is common in post-Soviet countries.