Video: Illegal Casino Operated in Rented Villa Organizing Poker-Type Gambling

Information was received by the Department for Combatting Corruption and Economic Crimes of the Criminal Police that an illegal casino was operating in one of the rented villas in the "Hollywood" neighborhood of Yerevan, where poker-type gambling games were being organized.

Based on operational information, on February 3, officers from the anti-corruption and economic crimes departments, as well as special units of the Criminal Police, conducted a comprehensive operational-investigative measure.

It was found that the villa was rented by individuals who had organized poker-type gambling games without state registration and special permits, selling game chips worth 1000, 5000, and 25000 drams to participants. Additionally, a 5 percent commission was collected from each win made by the participants, benefiting the organizers.

As a result of the illegal activities, the state suffered a loss equivalent to 5 billion 500 million drams, at least in state taxes. Various gambling accessories were discovered during the inspection of the scene.

During searches of the organizers and participants in the games, large sums of money intended for circulation in the gaming hall, a substance resembling marijuana, a scale, a knife, and other items were found.

A criminal case has been initiated by the Department for Combatting Corruption and Economic Crimes of the Criminal Police, which has been sent to the investigative department of the State Revenue Committee.