Kazakh police officers have uncovered a major illegal online gambling operation in Shymkent, with a reported turnover exceeding $1 million.

Investigators say a local resident organized and managed underground gaming clubs through a mobile app, attracting players not only from across Kazakhstan but also from abroad, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The operation functioned as a coordinated digital platform linking multiple illegal gambling hubs.

The organizer reportedly took a 3-5% cut from each gaming “table” as commission. To conceal financial flows, he relied on so-called “droppers,” including foreign nationals, to move funds and avoid detection.

The criminal case has been forwarded to court, marking a significant step in Kazakhstan’s efforts to crack down on illegal online gambling and financial crimes.