Sergey Efimenko, the head of the All-Ukrainian Federation of Sports Poker, has been detained by a Ukrainian court for his involvement in operating underground poker clubs. This action marks a significant crackdown on illegal gambling activities in major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odessa.
The Economic Security Bureau (ESB) of Ukraine revealed that Efimenko and three associates are suspected of organizing and conducting illegal poker games under the guise of a 'Sports Poker Club'. Despite appearances of legality, these establishments were operating without proper authorization.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted three raids on the addresses of these poker clubs. They confiscated over 1.3 million Ukrainian Hryvnias ($34.3 thousand) in cash, financial documentation, 38 poker tables, playing chips, cards, computer equipment, and mobile phones.
The illegal activities were masked using counterfeit licenses that purportedly allowed for the organization of poker tournaments.
