Ukraine's Deputy Justice Minister dismissed over links to Russian casino

A new corruption scandal is unfolding in Ukraine, involving senior officials and the illegal influence of the Russian gambling industry. Deputy Minister of Justice Inna Bohatykh was dismissed after a journalistic investigation revealed her links with representatives of the Russian online casino Pin-UP.

Case figures and data leak

The scandal erupted following the detention of Ihor Zotyka, the nominal owner of the Ukrainian branch of Pin-UP, who is suspected of having ties to Russia. In January 2025, law enforcement officers seized his mobile phone, where compromising data was found. Among other things, the correspondence featured financial transactions and contacts with representatives of the Russian gambling business, as well as evidence of interference in the work of Ukrainian state bodies.

Corruption schemes and Russian influence

The investigation revealed that Inna Bohatykh acted in the interests of Dmitry Punin and Alexander Matyashov, who are linked to the Russian gambling industry. For large sums of money, she allegedly blocked initiatives by Ukraine's Ministry of Justice aimed at imposing sanctions against Pin-UP.

Attempt to pressure journalists

Another sensation was Zotyka's correspondence with Russian handlers, in which an order to attack journalist Yevhen Plynsky was discussed. Pin-UP Global CEO Marina Ilyina gave the instruction to "organise a beating", while Dmitry Punin agreed to pay for it and hand the matter over to "executors from Odesa".

The prosecution classified these actions as a threat to a journalist by an organised group, which under Ukrainian law is punishable by a prison sentence of 7 to 14 years.

Law enforcement attention may now be directed not only to Ukraine, but also to Pin-UP's financial operations in Europe and Cyprus. Companies linked to Dmitry Punin are already under close scrutiny, and their business partners may reconsider their cooperation.