Lithuanian virtual asset service provider UTRG UAB, operating as utPay, has suspended all crypto-asset services effective January 1, 2026, citing MiCA compliance requirements and awaiting authorization from the Bank of Lithuania. This suspension comes after extensive FinTelegram investigations documented utPay's systematic role as the primary payment facilitator for a sprawling network of illegal offshore casinos targeting German and European players through deceptive "fake bank transfer" schemes.
FinTelegram has completed an in‑depth compliance investigation into Lithuanian VASP UTRG UAB d/b/a utPay. The findings indicate that utPay has evolved into a high‑volume payment hub for unlicensed online casinos and sports betting operators, particularly targeting German players through deceptive “fake bank transfer” schemes.
Illegal gambling and money laundering are not just crimes—they are betrayals of trust, exploiting vulnerable individuals and undermining the integrity of our financial systems. FinTelegram has been at the forefront of exposing these corrupt activities, but we need your help to bring the full extent of these schemes to light.
FinTelegram issues a strong warning against the illegally and anonymously operating Wazamba casino. This fraudulent platform, formerly associated with the now-insolvent Rabidi Group, is currently operating without any legitimate license and under complete anonymity. The website does not disclose any information about its operator, making it a risky and unreliable environment for players.
In recent investigations, FinTelegram has uncovered NovaForge Ltd as a significant operator in a globally active network of illegal online casinos. Operating anonymously through multiple brands and domains, this network defies regulatory frameworks in Europe, North America, and Asia, continuing the legacy of the defunct Rabidi Group.
Another day, another exposed illegal online casino facilitated via Cyprus. Payment processors play a crucial role in sustaining this underground economy. FinTelegram's research repeatedly reveals that without these facilitating payment processors, many illegal online schemes, particularly in the gambling sector, would not thrive. Currently, we are focusing on the brands of the collapsed Rabidi Group that continue to operate anonymously and unauthorized. Here is our report on Cazimbo.
Zet Casino is one of the former brands of the bankrupt operator Rabidi N.V. It's currently operated by Liernin Enterprises Ltd, registered in the Marshall Islands, and the payment agent Mirata Services Ltd, registered in Cyprus. Zet Casino has an offshore license in the Philippines, which is not accepted in the EEA regions. Nevertheless, players from the EEA regions and the UK are accepted without any problems and can make deposits. Here is our review.
As part of our follow-the-money strategy research, we have been looking at the online casino and gambling segment for months. We are interested in the two aspects of compliance and payment services. Those who follow the money trail will also find payment facilitators in this segment. In connection with our investigations into the bankruptcy of the casino operator Rabidi, we found the Estonian crypto payment processor BitSpider and took a closer look.