Ukrainian authorities seize millions from major gambling operator amid tax evasion allegations

The Bureau of Economic Security (BES) in Ukraine has made a significant move, seizing UAH 700 million ($18.6 million) from the accounts of one of the country's major gambling operators, as reported by Forbes on February 5th.

Forbes, citing information from law enforcement agencies, identified the company as Cosmolot. The casino is alleged to have evaded UAH 1.2 billion ($31.9 million) in taxes.

An investigation into the matter revealed that numerous employees within the company orchestrated unlicensed online gambling activities. They utilized over 30 mirror sites with interfaces resembling the licensed site, along with payment misdirection tactics, to orchestrate a large-scale tax evasion scheme.

Moreover, it was found that the official address provided by the gambling licensee did not match its actual location. Furthermore, employees were found to have intentionally hidden evidence crucial for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged crimes.

At present, authorities have frozen UAH 700 million ($18.6 million)  in the company's accounts while the pre-trial investigation continues.

In response to the accusations, Cosmolot has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the charges are baseless. The company has initiated legal action, filing a complaint with the court to challenge the allegations. Additionally, Cosmolot maintains that it diligently fulfills its tax obligations as mandated by law.

"Cosmolot employees are involved only in the maintenance and support of the official website cosmolot.ua, which operates exclusively on the basis of an official license,” the company stated, distancing itself from the alleged unauthorized gambling activities.

Furthermore, Cosmolot clarified that the websites listed by the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine as mirrors have no affiliation with their official operations.