The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently issued formal warnings against Curaçao-based online casino operators Dama N.V. and Luster N.V. for illegal gambling operations targeting Australian players. These operators, while licensed in Curaçao, have been identified as operating unlawfully in Australia, where strict regulations prohibit unauthorized gambling platforms from offering services.
Connections to SoftSwiss and the Ivan Montik Network
FinTelegram has consistently reported on the operations of Dama N.V. and linked them to the broader SoftSwiss scheme orchestrated by Ivan Montik, along with his Russian associates Roland Isaev and Paata Gamgoneishvili. This network has been implicated in facilitating illegal gambling operations on a global scale, leveraging Curaçao’s lenient licensing regime to enable platforms like Dama N.V. and the now-insolvent Rabidi N.V.
Read our forensic report about the Rabidi Bankruptcy Case.
SoftSwiss, a major provider of online casino platforms, has been alleged to support questionable operations that exploit regulatory loopholes. The rise of these schemes underscores the persistent growth of illegal gambling and associated financial crimes, such as money laundering, that plague the industry.
FinTelegram’s Ongoing Fight Against Illegal Gambling
In light of the growing prevalence of illegal gambling platforms, FinTelegram has taken proactive measures to expose and combat these entities. Key initiatives include:
- Investigative Reports: Highlighting the connections between entities like Dama N.V., Rabidi N.V., and the SoftSwiss network.
- Whistleblower Platform: Launching Whistle42, a secure channel for insiders and victims to report illegal casino operations and money laundering schemes.
- Awareness Campaigns: Partnering with stakeholders to increase awareness about the risks of engaging with illegal gambling platforms.
Implications of the ACMA Warning
The warnings issued by ACMA highlight the urgent need for international collaboration in regulating the online gambling industry. Curaçao, often regarded as a haven for offshore gambling operators, is under increasing scrutiny for its role in enabling such activities. Australian regulators have made it clear that operators like Dama N.V. and Luster N.V. cannot target their jurisdiction without facing repercussions.
The ACMA’s actions align with FinTelegram’s mission to hold illegal operators accountable and protect consumers from fraudulent schemes. These developments reinforce the call for stricter enforcement and transparency in the online gambling sector.
Call to Action
FinTelegram urges regulators, law enforcement agencies, and financial institutions worldwide to:
- Increase scrutiny on Curaçao’s licensing system and the operators it certifies.
- Collaborate with whistleblower initiatives like Whistle42 to uncover illegal operations.
- Protect consumers by raising awareness of the risks posed by platforms like those operated by Dama N.V. and Luster N.V.
Victims and insiders are encouraged to share information with FinTelegram via Whistle42 to strengthen collective efforts against illegal gambling and associated financial crimes. Together, we can expose the global schemes perpetuating illegal gambling and safeguard vulnerable players from exploitation.
