The Department of the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA) in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, has dismantled a criminal group involved in illegal gambling activities, with a turnover exceeding 557 million KZT (approximately $1.21 million), according to a statement from the FMA.
The underground online poker network was organized and coordinated by a resident of Shymkent. The scheme utilized a mobile application for playing poker (Texas Hold'em) with clubs Vendetta and AMG600L, which are part of the Nomad network. These clubs operated around the clock, attracting players from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries through messaging app promotions.
Additionally, a bonus system was in place to entice players.
Players funded their accounts by transferring money to bank accounts and received chips for gameplay. Winnings were cashed out and transferred to users' cards. The organizers earned revenue through a rake of 3 to 5% from each table, and to retain players, the scheme allowed for the issuance of virtual funds on credit.
The financial flows were concealed through drop accounts, including those of foreign citizens, who received between 100,000 to 200,000 KZT ($217–435) for each account. According to the FMA, individual players' losses reached up to 30 million KZT ($65,200).
During a search at the organizer's residence, law enforcement discovered and seized narcotic substances. Two suspects were placed under house arrest, and the FMA has forwarded the criminal case to court.