Lifting of VBet account freeze and international ties with Russia

In July 2024, the story involving online casino VBet took a new turn. The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv lifted the freeze on the company's accounts, which had previously been blocked on suspicion of financial fraud. 

This decision was made by Judge Yushkov, who was in Kyiv on a business trip, while his primary place of work is the Yenakiieve City Court in Donetsk Oblast, which has been under occupation since 2014.

This sparked a wave of discontent among lawyers and the public, as the freezes had been upheld by several judges, including the Kyiv Court of Appeal, just days earlier. And then, at an unexpected moment, the "visiting" judge overturned all previous decisions.

Suspicions of international ties and manipulation

However, the scandalous story does not end there. In December 2024, it became known about an international deal under which VBet acquired the assets of Parimatch in Brazil — a company subject to sanctions in Ukraine due to its ties with Russia. A few days later, information about the deal disappeared from official resources, adding further questions.

Sponsorship activity and hidden ties

Against the backdrop of these events, VBet continues to actively sponsor sports clubs in Ukraine, spending millions on branding and supporting Ukrainian football. This appears as public support for sports; however, given the accusations of money laundering, offshore schemes, smuggling, and unpaid taxes, such actions raise doubts.

The company declares its transparency and support for Ukrainian sports, but in reality, criminal investigations, possible ties with Russia, offshore operations, and attempts to establish itself in key public spheres — from sports to television — are becoming increasingly hidden.