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Curaçao gambling regulator data leak exposes offshore casino networks
A massive data leak known as ‘Casino Secrets’ has exposed the inner workings of the offshore gambling industry, centered on the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). The leak, involving tens of thousands of confidential files, was obtained by Berlin-based cybersecurity researcher Lilith Wittmann, who accessed the CGA database. The CGA has confirmed that its portal was subject to unauthorized access.
Investigations by media partners, including Follow the Money, have identified approximately 767 beneficial owners controlling nearly 650 licensed gambling companies. These entities operate thousands of websites globally. The documents reveal complex ownership structures involving individuals from various nations, including the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Cyprus, and the Netherlands.
The leak highlights several controversial practices, including the illegal targeting of consumers in highly regulated markets like Germany and the United Kingdom. For instance, Red Rhino Limited, a Maltese-licensed company owned by German businessman Thomas Kalman, was identified as providing unauthorized services to German players. Additionally, the Santeda International network has been accused of targeting vulnerable UK gamblers without proper authorization. Other major entities mentioned in the data include Stake.com and BC. Game.
Entities
BC. Game · Curacao · Curaçao Gaming Authority · Lilith Whitman · Lilith Wittmann · Red Rhino Limited · Santeda International · Stake.com · Thomas Kalman
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Curaçao hosts over 8,000 casinos, averaging one casino for every 20 residents. thefaq.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.theguardian.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Curaçao Gaming Authority confirmed its portal was subject to unauthorised access. thefaq.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.theguardian.com · themalteseherald.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The leak contains tens of thousands of confidential files from the Curaçao gambling regulator. thefaq.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.theguardian.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Red Rhino operated Platincasino under a Maltese license, which German authorities classified as unauthorized gambling. themalteseherald.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Lilith Wittmann obtained internal documents by accessing the Curaçao Gaming Authority database. themalteseherald.com · thefaq.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.theguardian.com · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Thomas Kalman was identified in Malta Gaming Authority documents as the ultimate beneficial owner of Red Rhino Limited. themalteseherald.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Santeda International allegedly targeted vulnerable UK gamblers without a license from the UK Gambling Commission. thefaq.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.theguardian.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] BC. Game, a sponsor of Leicester City FC, has faced accusations of illegal customer attraction in the UK. thefaq.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.theguardian.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Casino Secrets investigation identified approximately 767 beneficial owners controlling nearly 650 licensed gambling companies. fr.businessam.be · businessam.be