Uri Poliavich and Soft2Bet must be stopped or their scheme of evasion will be copied by Russians
Uri Poliavich, the founder and central figure behind Soft2Bet, now faces mounting legal scrutiny as multiple European countries investigate his alleged involvement in illegal online casinos. The focus centres on Wazamba, an online gambling platform operated by Rabidi N.V. and Araxio Development, both registered in Curaçao. Investigations were triggered after civil lawsuits were filed by EU citizens who suffered significant financial losses. One German plaintiff lost €400,000, with evidence suggesting that Wazamba’s operators deliberately exploited his psychological vulnerabilities to keep him gambling.
In 2023, German courts ruled against Rabidi N.V., ordering compensation for the plaintiff, while Dutch courts issued a similar ruling against Araxio Development both were found to be operating without proper licensing. Parallel investigations in Spain, Italy, and Greece further exposed these entities’ unlicensed activities. However, victims remain uncompensated, as both Rabidi N.V. and Araxio Development declared bankruptcy in Curaçao, leaving no recoverable assets. These civil rulings, however, have opened the door to criminal proceedings targeting the masterminds behind the operations with evidence pointing directly to Soft2Bet and Poliavich.
Despite Poliavich and Soft2Bet publicly denying any connection to Wazamba, archived recruitment ads on recruitika.com list Soft2Bet as the owner of brands including Wazamba, Nomini, and Rabona. The company was curiously described as a “Moldovan product company,” likely an attempt to obscure its true nature amid Poliavich’s extensive reputation-cleansing efforts. The fact that this information was merely altered rather than deleted suggests a lapse in his otherwise meticulous cover-up operations.
Despite Poliavich and Soft2Bet publicly denying any connection to Wazamba, archived recruitment ads on recruitika.com list Soft2Bet as the owner of brands including Wazamba, Nomini, and Rabona. The company was curiously described as a “Moldovan product company,” likely an attempt to obscure its true nature amid Poliavich’s extensive reputation-cleansing efforts. The fact that this information was merely altered rather than deleted suggests a lapse in his otherwise meticulous cover-up operations.
Ukrainian and European Legal Failures pave the way for further Soft2Bet endeavors
Ukraine’s role in this saga highlights systemic corruption and regulatory negligence. In 2020, Ukrainian police and the SBU raided Soft2Bet’s Kyiv office following a criminal case against its executives. However, the investigation was abruptly closed, allowing Poliavich to escape consequences though the company was forced to shut down its Ukrainian operations. The raid did reveal additional illegal casinos linked to Soft2Bet, but with the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian authorities abandoned further probes.
Poliavich subsequently relocated to safer jurisdictions Malta and Cyprus both notorious for their opaque corporate structures and lenient enforcement. These countries’ laws shield offshore entities from civil liability, but whether they will protect him from criminal prosecution remains uncertain. Unlike Ukraine, where bribery ensured impunity, Cyprus presents a different risk: Poliavich’s competitors, including Russian-linked gambling syndicates such as Pin-Up Global, have deep ties to Cypriot organised crime and political elites.
Cyberpolice of Ukraine has abruptly dropped the criminal case against Soft2Bet.
Poliavich’s primary vulnerability lies in money laundering. Official reports claim he earned €57.8 million in 2023 from Soft2Bet’s operations, investing heavily in Eastern European real estate and luxury vehicles. However, this figure likely represents only a fraction of his actual revenue. Investigations into Wazamba’s operators Rabidi N.V. (controlled by Ukrainian associate Denis Butko) and Araxio Development (owned by Poliavich’s Cyprus-based Outono Ltd) reveal a sprawling network of 550 casino URLs created between 2017 and 2024. Araxio allegedly held the software rights, while Rabidi managed operations, funneling illicit profits into Poliavich’s accounts.
The sheer volume of untraceable cash-estimated in the hundreds of millions poses a critical threat. Any misstep in laundering these funds could trigger aggressive financial investigations in Europe. Poliavich’s recent shift to Dubai, a haven for illicit finance, suggests he is preparing for legal fallout. However, his Israeli citizenship complicates matters while Israel does not extradite its nationals, confinement there would severely restrict his ability to manage his global empire.
European authorities are tightening regulations under the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD), increasing pressure on offshore gambling operators. With Germany, the Netherlands, and other EU states pursuing criminal cases, Poliavich’s reliance on Cyprus and Malta may prove insufficient. His competitors, including Russian-backed gambling syndicates, further destabilise his position.
While Poliavich has so far evaded justice, the convergence of legal actions, financial scrutiny, and underworld rivalries suggests his empire is under unprecedented threat. Whether he faces prosecution or continues to exploit legal loopholes will test Europe’s resolve in combating illegal gambling and financial crime.
Poliavich subsequently relocated to safer jurisdictions Malta and Cyprus both notorious for their opaque corporate structures and lenient enforcement. These countries’ laws shield offshore entities from civil liability, but whether they will protect him from criminal prosecution remains uncertain. Unlike Ukraine, where bribery ensured impunity, Cyprus presents a different risk: Poliavich’s competitors, including Russian-linked gambling syndicates such as Pin-Up Global, have deep ties to Cypriot organised crime and political elites.
Cyberpolice of Ukraine has abruptly dropped the criminal case against Soft2Bet.
Poliavich’s primary vulnerability lies in money laundering. Official reports claim he earned €57.8 million in 2023 from Soft2Bet’s operations, investing heavily in Eastern European real estate and luxury vehicles. However, this figure likely represents only a fraction of his actual revenue. Investigations into Wazamba’s operators Rabidi N.V. (controlled by Ukrainian associate Denis Butko) and Araxio Development (owned by Poliavich’s Cyprus-based Outono Ltd) reveal a sprawling network of 550 casino URLs created between 2017 and 2024. Araxio allegedly held the software rights, while Rabidi managed operations, funneling illicit profits into Poliavich’s accounts.
The sheer volume of untraceable cash-estimated in the hundreds of millions poses a critical threat. Any misstep in laundering these funds could trigger aggressive financial investigations in Europe. Poliavich’s recent shift to Dubai, a haven for illicit finance, suggests he is preparing for legal fallout. However, his Israeli citizenship complicates matters while Israel does not extradite its nationals, confinement there would severely restrict his ability to manage his global empire.
European authorities are tightening regulations under the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (6AMLD), increasing pressure on offshore gambling operators. With Germany, the Netherlands, and other EU states pursuing criminal cases, Poliavich’s reliance on Cyprus and Malta may prove insufficient. His competitors, including Russian-backed gambling syndicates, further destabilise his position.
While Poliavich has so far evaded justice, the convergence of legal actions, financial scrutiny, and underworld rivalries suggests his empire is under unprecedented threat. Whether he faces prosecution or continues to exploit legal loopholes will test Europe’s resolve in combating illegal gambling and financial crime.
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