The chairman of the Ukrainian Gambling and Lottery Regulatory Commission (CRGL), Ivan Rudyi, has been detained for allegedly supporting Russian online casinos operating within Ukraine.
Since the establishment of the CRGL in October 2020, Rudyi has been its leader, and the charges he faces are not limited to casino relations.
During the search, authorities found a large amount of substances suspected to be drugs on him—this discovery has added complexity to an already high-profile case.
Earlier this year, the regulatory body was accused of misconduct, and Ukraine's anti-corruption agency had identified Rudyi's violations as early as January.
The current investigation appears to be in its early stages, and further developments are expected as authorities continue their investigation.
Related news: Earlier this year, Ukraine announced measures to address military gambling issues.
Ukrainian President Zelensky issued a decree prohibiting military personnel from engaging in gambling activities. This decision was made amid growing concerns about the impact of gambling on morale and national security.