Pin-Up casino owner Dmitry Punin arrested in Cyprus

Russian-Ukrainian entrepreneur Dmitry Punin, owner of the Pin-Up casino, has been detained in Limassol, one of Cyprus's largest cities. Ukrainian Igor Zotko is also listed among the suspects in the case. The operation by Cypriot security forces, aimed at combating the laundering of Russian funds, has once again drawn attention to the activities of the international gambling industry.

Charges against Punin and Zotko

Dmitry Punin is suspected of large-scale money laundering within the European Union, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The charges also include organising illegal gambling and tax evasion. Igor Zotko, the second participant in the case, is listed as the owner of several legal entities linked to Pin-Up's operations in Ukraine.

Punin himself has been living in Cyprus for several years, where he actively invests in real estate. He previously personally managed the Pin-Up casino but handed over the business to his wife, Marina Ilyina, a native of Luhansk. Despite attempts to distance himself from management, his name continues to be associated with the company.

Football scandals and the sale of Karmiotissa FC

One of the notable chapters in Punin's activities was his connection with the football club Karmiotissa. The club found itself at the centre of a scandal following accusations of involvement in match-fixing. Belarusian coach Alexander Khatskevich, who worked with the team, confirmed that the management had attempted to influence the outcome of matches. In late 2023, Punin hastily sold the club, although information later emerged suggesting the deal was fictitious.

The situation regarding Pin-Up's licence in Ukraine

Ukrainian regulators are preparing to revoke the licence for Pin-Up's operations, which are linked to Russian owners. In particular, the company "Victoria Soft", one of the structures ensuring the casino's operation, already lost its licence in November 2023. The regulator's decision was upheld by the court.

Dmitry Punin's lawyer described his detention as a "witch hunt" and emphasised that his client has not considered himself a Russian citizen since the start of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

The gambling industry problem in Ukraine

The topic of casinos became particularly acute after a post by Ukrainian soldier Pavlo Petrychenko, who drew attention to the spread of gambling addiction, including among military personnel. President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to a petition calling for restrictions on the activities of online casinos. The issue was assigned to the newly appointed National Security and Defence Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko.

The Verkhovna Rada's Finance Committee also approved a bill on tightening control over the gambling industry. Among the initiatives are the liquidation of KRAIL, restrictions on gambling advertising and a ban on military personnel participating in online casinos.