Kazakhstan Puts PIN-UP Figures on Wanted List

In Kazakhstan, the Agency for Financial Monitoring on February 2 announced a wanted notice for U.S. citizen Dmitry Druzhinsky and Ukrainian citizen Marina Levkovich (Ginzburg) on suspicion of organizing an illegal gambling business under the PIN-UP and PINCO brands.

Court decision and suspect status

The court has sanctioned a preventive measure in absentia for Dmitry Druzhinsky and Marina Levkovich in the form of pretrial detention.

According to investigators, they are suspected of organizing illegal gambling activities on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Organization of online casino operations

Role of the suspects

The investigation established that the online casinos operating under the PIN-UP and PINCO brands were organized by a group of individuals acting from abroad through a network of affiliated companies.

Dmitry Druzhinsky and Marina Levkovich acted as coordinators, including recruiting accomplices, interacting with payment organizations and banks, and participating in the creation of the payment infrastructure.

Use of a licensed bookmaker

To conceal the online casino operations, a legal entity — Bonami LLP — was established, which obtained a bookmaker license and operated under the PIN-UP.KZ brand.

Financial scheme and payment infrastructure

Payment companies

For financial support, a network of payment companies was registered, including Gold Pay LLP and Cyber Pay LLP, later renamed Pinnacle Financial Solutions LLP.

Use of cryptocurrency

Funds received from online casino clients were accumulated in transit accounts and then converted into cryptocurrency through affiliated companies holding licenses for electronic money operations.