Illegal Gambling Network Uncovered in Namangan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Law enforcement authorities in the Namangan region have uncovered a large-scale illegal gambling network operating under the guise of a gaming club known as Cyber Arena. The operation was carried out by officers from the regional Department for Combating Crimes in the Field of Information Technologies.

According to the investigation, what appeared to be a regular entertainment venue was in fact used to organize незаконные азартные игры through international online platforms.

As part of the operation, a controlled transaction amounting to 620,000 soums was conducted using an undercover participant, confirming the mechanism for transferring funds to gambling accounts within the network.

Investigators identified the alleged organizer as a resident of the Chust district, born in 1985. Acting together with accomplices, he is believed to have established a system of financial operations using various digital tools to conceal illegal activities and bypass legal restrictions.

The investigation revealed significant financial turnover. Transactions exceeding 44.6 billion soums were recorded through one mobile application, despite an установленный лимит of approximately 796.6 million soums. Additional transactions totaling 26 billion soums were identified, along with cryptocurrency operations exceeding 14.6 billion soums.

Searches conducted at locations linked to the suspects resulted in the seizure of cash, foreign currency, bank cards, mobile phones, and computer equipment used to carry out financial operations.

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 278 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, which establishes liability for organizing illegal gambling activities. The investigation is ongoing.