Kazakhstan Busts $6.3 Million Illegal Online Gambling Network Operating via Messaging Apps

The investigation was conducted by the Anti-Financial Crimes Department (AFM) in the Mangystau region and centers on a suspect identified as Rantik Bakhtiyar Ogly.

According to investigators, the operation was run through the website bingo37.pro, which hosted more than 1,000 gambling games, including well-known titles such as Crazy Monkey, Keno, and Euro Game. Recruitment of players reportedly took place through popular messaging platforms, including Telegram and WhatsApp, where organizers distributed promotional content, videos, and various incentives to attract participants. After transferring payments, users were provided with login credentials that allowed them to access the platform and begin gambling.

To conceal the flow of funds, the suspect allegedly relied on so-called “droppers” — foreign nationals from Georgia and Tajikistan who opened bank accounts and registered phone numbers in Kazakhstan before transferring control of them to the operator. Authorities believe this scheme helped obscure financial transactions and complicate efforts to trace the proceeds.

As part of the investigation, a court ordered the confiscation of two luxury vehicles, a Porsche Cayenne and a Lexus GX 460. Officials say the cars had been registered in the names of third parties in an attempt to hide ownership and shield assets from scrutiny. The investigation is still ongoing, and further details have not been released due to restrictions under Article 201 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Procedure Code.

The case follows another recent enforcement action in the Almaty region, where the Kazakhstan Financial Monitoring Agency shut down a large unlicensed online gambling network and seized assets worth more than KZT 420m (around $900,000). That operation allegedly involved illegal online casinos, sports betting, and esports wagering services offering over 11,000 gambling products. Authorities said the network operated through companies registered under nominees, while payments were processed via bank cards, electronic payment systems, and cryptocurrencies.