Underground gambling dens dismantled in Novosibirsk
In a series of simultaneous operations, the Novosibirsk Regional Police Department has dismantled several illegal gambling dens in the Zaeltsovsky, Central, and Oktyabrsky districts. These underground casinos were discovered to be operating in contravention of federal law, using non-residential premises posing as offices and technical services to lure patrons.
The clandestine gambling operations were conducted without interruption for several months, offering slot machines, computers with access to online gambling platforms, as well as table games such as poker and roulette. Customers were only admitted through a closed system, requiring prior arrangement, phone calls, or introductions.
During the raids, over a hundred units of gambling equipment were confiscated, including modern slot machines, monitors, system units, bank terminals, cash registers, and nearly 300,000 rubles in cash. Law enforcement also seized accounting records, customer lists, and staff instructions, which will serve as evidence in the ensuing criminal cases.
Four individuals were detained in connection with the illegal casinos: two men and two women aged between 29 and 39. Two of these suspects attempted to evade the authorities, but were quickly apprehended.
The suspects are being questioned to establish the extent of their involvement in the criminal activity. The investigative authorities have opened four criminal cases against them for organizing and conducting illegal gambling activities in a gang. The courts will decide on preventive measures for each suspect shortly.
Given the absence of specific data on recent Novosibirsk underground casino operations, it is common in Russia for such illegal gambling venues to be targeted by law enforcement due to their violation of gambling laws. Regular police raids, machinery seizures, and ensuing investigations are instrumental in dismantling such illicit enterprises.
What is the general news regarding the dismantled illegal casinos in Novosibirsk? The illegally operated gambling dens, which fall under casino-and-gambling and crime-and-justice categories, were discovered to be functioning in the Zaeltsovsky, Central, and Oktyabrsky districts, operating for several months and using non-residential premises as covers.
