Key points:
- Ivan Rudyi, head of Ukraine's gambling regulator, has been detained for alleged ties to a Russian online casino
- Authorities reportedly discovered a substance resembling narcotics during the search
- Rudyi was previously flagged for corruption-related misconduct in January 2024
Ivan Rudyi, the head of Ukraine’s Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (CRGL), has been detained on allegations of supporting a Russian online casino operating within Ukraine.
Rudyi, who has led the CRGL since its establishment in October 2020, faces accusations that also extend beyond the casino ties.
During a search conducted by authorities, a substantial quantity of a substance suspected to be narcotics was reportedly discovered in his possession – a revelation that adds further complexity to an already high-profile case.
The regulator had previously been flagged for misconduct earlier this year, with Ukraine's anti-corruption agency identifying a violation involving Rudyi back in January.
The current investigation appears to be in its early stages, with further developments expected as authorities continue their inquiries.
In related news, it was announced earlier this year that Ukraine has implemented measures to address military gambling concerns.
This development saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issuing a decree that banned gambling activities among the country's military personnel – a decision that was made amid growing concerns about gambling’s impact on morale and national security.
