In a Russian language textbook for tenth graders in Uzbekistan, a link to an online casino was discovered – a QR code that directs to the Pin-UP website. The authors of the textbook captioned the image: “Scan the QR code and learn interesting details about how to prepare for a presentation.” Originally, the link was intended to lead to instructions on public speaking skills.
The Ministry of Pre-school and School Education of Uzbekistan clarified that the website previously associated with the QR code had been hacked by cybercriminals. The offenders placed an advertisement for the online casino on it, so students were shown Pin-UP instead of the educational material. The ministry has contacted specialists to restrict access to the link.
In Uzbekistan, any forms of gambling are prohibited by law, except for national lotteries. Organizing and conducting gambling activities can lead to imprisonment for up to seven years.
