Police Report Reveals Illegal Casino with Over 5 Billion AMD Damage to State

The Police of the Republic of Armenia has issued a statement reporting the uncovering of a case that has caused over 5 billion 500 million AMD in damages to the state.

The report from the Police indicates that operational data was received at the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Directorate regarding the organization of 'poker' live games in a building on Vagharchyan Street in Yerevan without state registration and special permits.

Based on this information, officers from the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Directorate conducted various operational and investigative measures in cooperation with the internal security officers of the State Revenue Committee (SRC). As a result, the following was revealed.

According to known facts from the investigation, since November of last year, a 34-year-old man residing in Yerevan has been organizing 'poker' gambling games at the address Vagharchyan 15/15, without state registration and a license. By collecting 3 to 4 percent from participants' winnings, the illegal casino has earned daily profits ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 AMD.

As a result of this illegal enterprise, the state has suffered particularly significant damage of 5 billion 500 million AMD solely in terms of special permission state taxes. On January 17, a special operation was conducted, during which 10 individuals were detained at the illegal casino by the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Directorate.

In a search of the illegal casino, in addition to gaming equipment, several grams of a substance resembling marijuana were found. A criminal case has been initiated at the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Directorate, which has been forwarded to the SRC investigation department.