Four individuals have been detained during an operation against illegal online casino games in Azerbaijan. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) informed the Operative Information Center-OMM that the Main Department for Combating Cybercrime continues to take operational and technical measures against those organizing illicit online gambling and casino activities on social media platforms.
During the latest operation conducted by cyberpolice, four suspects identified as Polad Abdullayev, Sanan Hajizade, Toghrul Kazimov, and his accomplice Jafar Bayaliyev were detained. Investigations revealed that these individuals established criminal links with illegal gambling websites managed from abroad to create virtual cash desks within Azerbaijan. They subsequently attracted users to illegal online casino games through social media pages titled "Milan," "Sevinc," "Rahat," and "Texas 777."
During searches at the suspects' residences, electronic evidence, bank cards used in illegal casino transactions, and mobile SIM cards were seized as material evidence. A criminal case has been initiated by the Main Department. By court order, Abdullayev, Hajizade, Kazimov, and Bayaliyev have been remanded in custody as a preventive measure. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has urged citizens to avoid participating in illegal online gambling, noting that such platforms are often used for cyber-fraud to seize bank card details and personal information.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has significantly intensified its crackdown on cybercrime and illegal gambling to protect the country's financial system and citizens' personal data. Under Azerbaijani law, the organization and promotion of unlicensed gambling activities are strictly prohibited and carry severe legal penalties. The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to modernize its cyber-defense capabilities to monitor and dismantle sophisticated digital criminal networks operating across international borders.
