Evolution Gaming Titles Showing Up on Illegal Online Casinos
A recent investigation into Swedish company Evolution has revealed that its games have surfaced on illegal online casino sites in Southeast Asia. This discovery has brought to light various criminal activities connected to these online platforms, including money laundering and fraud.
Experts warn that game suppliers like Evolution might unintentionally assist criminal organizations running these illicit operations.
In a significant move, Thai police seized SEK34 million (US$3.29 million) during a raid on two illegal online casino sites in late 2023. This sum is believed to have been generated by a criminal network through cryptocurrency scams targeting elderly individuals.
The operators of these sites are under suspicion for their involvement in illegal gambling, fraud, and money laundering.
Evolution, known for its popular games such as roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, has seen substantial growth, especially in Asia. However, the presence of its games in illegal online casinos raises serious concerns. Multiple warnings have been issued about organized crime groups using online casinos in Southeast Asia to launder money.
These groups are also implicated in various illegal activities, including human trafficking, in regions where gambling is generally prohibited.
The investigation identified Evolution’s games on numerous online casinos considered illegal by authorities, with around fifty sites in Cambodia alone. In the Philippines, Evolution’s games were found on a casino site that had its license revoked in the autumn due to suspected involvement in cryptocurrency fraud.
Experts have criticized game suppliers such as Evolution for potentially enabling criminal organizations by allowing their games to appear on these illegal sites. Although these suppliers may not be directly involved in money laundering or fraud, their products’ presence on illegal platforms poses significant risks.
Sarayu Klinhorm of the Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau stressed that Evolution should take more proactive measures to prevent its games from being accessible in Thailand, where gambling is illegal. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about game suppliers’ responsibilities in curbing illegal online gambling activities.
In response to these revelations, Evolution declined to participate in an interview but provided a written statement. The company asserted that none of the sites mentioned are their direct customers or those of their direct customers.
Evolution stated that it conducts checks on its customers and its customers’ customers but acknowledged the complexity of its supply chain. Despite this statement, Evolution did not address follow-up questions, leaving several issues unresolved.
The findings of this investigation highlight the intricate connections between legitimate game suppliers and illegal online casino operations.
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