2 minute read
A joint operation conducted by the Armenian State Revenue Committee (SRC) and the National Security Service uncovered an organized scheme of illicit online gambling platforms based in Yerevan, allegedly involving hundreds of individuals, massive financial flows, and transactions conducted through cryptocurrency, the State Revenue Committee has announced.
The premises where the suspects operated were disguised as ordinary offices.
The scheme was organized in a structured manner, allegedly involving team-based groups, supervisors, and agents whose main goal was to attract new players and increase user activity.
During operations carried out at several locations, hundreds of employees were discovered, along with computers, servers, mobile phones, numerous SIM cards, recording devices, and large volumes of electronic and paper documents.
Investigations also focused on employee payments. Several staff members testified that they received not only official salaries but also regular cash bonuses and additional payments. Preliminary findings show that over 950 million drams were paid in cash as salaries, bonuses, and incentives, which were not reflected in tax reports, the SRC said.
Preliminary estimates suggest that the possible underreported income tax alone exceeds 193 million drams, and analysis indicates the actual scale may be significantly higher. However, the estimated damage to the state from unlicensed operations exceeds 2.4 billion drams (approximately $6.52 million).
It was also found that player transactions were conducted through various channels, with deposited funds indirectly used to top up gaming accounts and place bets. In some cases, cryptocurrency transactions, deposits, and winnings transfers were identified.
The Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case and is conducting an investigation.