New details on the arrest of Pin-UP casino owner Dmitry Punin in Cyprus

Dmitry Punin, a Russian beneficial owner of the online casino Pin-Up, is suspected of laundering hundreds of millions of dollars within the European Union, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. His detention in Limassol, Cyprus, sparked widespread public reaction; however, shortly afterwards, a significant portion of the publications covering the event began disappearing from the media space.

Information removal: who benefits from hiding the truth?

Information about Punin's detention was actively discussed in the media and on social networks following a series of publications, including in foreign outlets. However, in recent days, articles revealing details of his links to Pin-Up Casino have been disappearing en masse. Some links to materials in Cypriot publications now lead to empty pages.

This phenomenon raises a logical question: why, once the information had already become public knowledge, did its targeted removal begin?

Accusations: the schemes of Punin and Zotiiko

The vanished materials reported that Dmitry Punin is suspected not only of large-scale money laundering but also of organising illegal gambling business and tax evasion. Ukrainian Ihor Zotiiko is also named in the criminal case; several legal entities managing Pin-Up's operations in Ukraine are registered in his name. According to journalists, Zotiiko served as a nominee director, shielding the real interests of Russians.

Notably, Punin himself publicly confirmed his connection to the casino. For instance, in November last year, he posted a photo from Malta on social media, in which he was wearing clothing with the Pin-Up logo. This gesture served as direct evidence of his involvement with the company.

Links to Russia and Pin-Up's Ukrainian licence

One reason for the "clean-up" of the information field may be linked to Punin's Russian citizenship. Together with his wife, Marina Ilyina, a native of Luhansk, he manages the Pin-Up trademark in Ukraine. It is known that Pin-Up Casino operates in Ukraine through two companies — "Victoria Soft" and "Ukr Game Technology". However, in November 2023, the Ukrainian Commission for the Regulation of Gambling (KRAIL) revoked "Victoria Soft's" licence, citing its links to Russia. This decision was upheld by the court.

Crisis in the Ukrainian gambling industry

There is an opinion that the mass removal of information is linked to the deteriorating reputation of the Ukrainian gambling industry. The involvement of a Russian citizen in the management of a casino deals an additional blow to trust in a sector that is already experiencing a crisis. Punin's links to Russia cast doubt on the legitimacy of such companies' operations amid the ongoing war.