Police Uncover Illegal Casino, State Suffers 5.5 Billion Dram Loss

The Main Directorate of Criminal Police's Department for the Fight against Corruption and Economic Crimes received operational information about an illegal casino operating in a rented villa in the "Hollywood" neighborhood of Yerevan, where poker games were being organized.

According to the Public Relations and Information Department of the Armenian Police, based on operational information, on February 3, the officers of the investigation department of the fight against corruption and economic crimes and special purpose units conducted complex operational-investigative measures.

It turned out that the individuals renting the villa were organizing poker games without state registration and special licensing, selling chips equivalent to 1000, 5000, and 25000 drams to participants. Additionally, a 5 percent fee was charged from each winning participant for the organizers.

As a result of these illegal activities, the state suffered a loss of 5 billion 500 million drams, at least the amount of the state duty. Various gambling equipment was found at the scene of the incident. Large sums of money intended for circulation in the casino, a substance resembling marijuana, a pipe, a knife, and other items were seized from the arrested organizers and participants.

A criminal case has been initiated by the Department for the Fight against Corruption and Economic Crimes, which has been forwarded to the Investigative Committee of the State Revenue Committee.

It should be noted that a suspect or accused party is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia and a legally binding verdict of the court.