Overview

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal online gambling websites, particularly targeting operators that violate the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. Recently, the regulator reported 75 websites to internet service providers for blocking. This analysis examines ACMA’s recent actions in relation to known illegal casino operations, especially those linked to Dama N.V. and Softswiss.

Key Findings

ACMA has been actively engaged in blocking illegal gambling websites, having blocked a total of 1,059 sites since November 2019. The latest report from ACMA frequently mentions Dama N.V. and its various illegal online casinos. Between October and December 2024, ACMA issued blocking orders for several gambling websites that were operating unlawfully in Australia. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 explicitly prohibits unlicensed online casino-style games, including pokies and table games, for Australian customers. Since the enforcement of new regulations began in 2017, more than 220 illegal services have exited the Australian market.

Context of Rabidi and Softswiss

Although Rabidi and Softswiss are not directly referenced in the ACMA report, their connections to known illegal operators are significant. Rabidi N.V., a defunct operator based in Curacao, was part of a network of illegal online casinos, and its operations resemble those currently under ACMA’s scrutiny. Dama N.V., another operator based in Curacao and part of the Softswiss group, is likely engaging in similar illegal activities as Rabidi. The Softswiss Group has been previously exposed by FinTelegram, which identified the ultimate beneficial owners behind its illegal gambling operations, including Ivan Montik, a Belarusian national, Roland Isaev, a Russian, and Paata Gamgoneishvili, also from Russia.

Implications

ACMA’s actions indicate a growing regulatory pressure on illegal operators, which could impact entities like Dama N.V. and others within the Softswiss network. The blocking of these websites is intended to safeguard Australian consumers from unregulated and potentially harmful gambling services. The substantial number of operators withdrawing from the Australian market suggests that regulatory measures are effectively influencing the landscape.

Conclusion

The ongoing initiatives by ACMA to tackle illegal online gambling reflect a broader trend in regulatory enforcement worldwide. The actions taken against various operators underscore the risks associated with entities like Dama N.V. and the wider Softswiss group. As regulatory scrutiny increases, operators linked to known illegal schemes are likely to face greater challenges in sustaining their operations in regulated markets such as Australia.

Legal Challenges in Online Casinos, Cryptocurrency Exchanges, and Crypto Processing

SoftSwiss and its associated entities, including CoinsPaid, AlphaPo, Merkeleon, and Dream Finance, have faced numerous allegations related to money laundering, sanction evasion, and fraudulent activities. Key figures involved in these controversies include Ivan Montik, Max Krupyshev, Pavel Kashuba, Dmitry Yaikov, Roland Yakovlevich Isaev, and Paata Gamgoneishvili.

The Network of Companies and Their Legal Troubles

Regulatory Scrutiny: Operating in the online casino niche presents various legal challenges. SoftSwiss, through its alleged parent company Dama NV, has incurred multimillion-dollar fines for failing to comply with gambling regulations.

Corporate Structure and Connections: Dama NV has close ties to Direx NV, another significant player in the gambling industry that was investigated by ACMA in 2019. The leadership of Direx NV includes Ivan Montik and Maksim Max Trafimovich, who were listed as directors and owners, with legal representation from REVERA, a firm closely connected to SoftSwiss executives.

Crypto Processing Scandals: Numerous individuals associated with these companies, primarily of Belarusian nationality, have been accused of facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for the Russian market. These activities are alleged to assist in circumventing sanctions while concealing illicit financial activities.

Key Legal Cases

In 2019, ACMA investigated Direx NV for operating unlicensed interactive gambling services and failing to protect players. The legal representation for Direx NV was provided by REVERA, led by Helen Mourashko, who has connections to Pavel Kashuba, the CFO of SoftSwiss.