The government of the Comoros Islands has initiated legal action and sought assistance from the UK in response to the growing trade in online gambling licences purportedly issued from the island of Anjouan. The move follows a surge in operators acquiring these licences via a London-based company, Anjouan Corporate Services (ACS), which reportedly charges $25,000 per licence.
ACS and the Sorsky Family Connection
According to recent reports, ACS has become the sole intermediary for iGaming operators seeking Anjouan licences, as mandated by the so-called Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority. This entity presents itself as the island's regulator but is not recognised by the official authorities of the Comoros. ACS is linked to the Sorsky family, a group of London property investors. While public records show several family members involved with ACS Global Custodian—the company behind ACS—the Sorsky family denies any current involvement in selling or issuing gambling licences since the company's change of ownership in 2023.
Financial Growth and Regulatory Concerns
The rapid rise in demand for Anjouan licences has coincided with a significant increase in ACS Global Custodian's account balance, which grew from $17,300 to $811,000 in 2025. The Comoros government, however, considers the licensing activities to be illegal and asserts that the use of its jurisdiction's name is undermining national efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Local authorities have identified UK nationals involved and are preparing domestic legal proceedings.
Implications for the iGaming Sector
The situation highlights the risks for operators, affiliates, and suppliers who rely on offshore licences for legitimacy. While such licences may provide a veneer of regulatory oversight, official regulators warn that these credentials may not be recognised and could expose businesses to legal and reputational risks. The case also draws attention to the importance of verifying the legitimacy of licensing bodies and intermediaries, especially when operating in or targeting regulated markets.
Key takeaways
- The Comoros Islands are pursuing legal action against the unauthorised issuing of Anjouan iGaming licences via a UK intermediary.
- ACS, linked to the Sorsky family, is named as the sole application channel for these licences, though the family denies current involvement.
- The legitimacy of Anjouan's gaming regulator is disputed by Comoros authorities, raising compliance concerns for operators.
- Operators and partners are advised to carefully assess the validity and recognition of offshore licences.