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Greek court sides with Russia in BTC-e Vinnik’s extradition case

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Russia has snagged the first win in the legal battle to bring Alexander Vinnik, the man accused of laundering more than $4 billion through the BTC-e digital currency exchange he allegedly operated, back home.

 

On Wednesday, Russian news outlet Ria.ru reported that the Council of Judges in Thessaloniki has upheld the request to extradite Vinnik to Russia, where he will face fraud charges amounting to 667,000 rubles (US$11,500).

The Greek court previously ordered Vinnik to be extradited to the United States, where he has been indicted on charges of operating an unlicensed money service business, 17 counts of money laundering and related money crimes. Vinnik, who was arrested in a beachside village in northern Greece last July, was also suspected of facilitating hacking, fraud, identity theft, tax refund fraud, public corruption and drug trafficking activities during his time in the digital currency market, according to investigators.

Compared to Russia’s modest fines, U.S. federal authorities want Vinnik to cough up $12 million in fines, while BTC-e has been slapped with a $110 million bill for failing to meet the country’s anti-money laundering requirements.

The Russian Foreign Ministry called the Greek court’s decision a violation of the international law and lodged its own extradition request for Vinnik, who also appealed to be extradited to Russia. Vinnik was quoted by the Russian news outlet that he doesn’t want an extradition to the United States because “it has nothing to do with” him.

I am a Russian citizen and let the court in Russia deal with it,” Vinnik said.

The battle to bring Vinnik home hasn’t ended yet because the Greek court’s decision can still be appealed. The final decision lies with Greece’s justice minister, who decides where to send people accused of crimes in times of competing requests. Vinnik’s lawyer said that according to the Greek law, “the Minister of Justice independently makes decisions on extradition, regardless of the court decision.

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CT Interactive to Showcase Innovative Gaming Solutions at BEGE 2024

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CT Interactive is going to showcase its innovative gaming solutions at BEGE, which will take place on November 27-28, 2024, at the Inter Expo Center in Sofia, Bulgaria. The company will present at stand 3.15А its top-notch slot catalogue featuring cutting-edge mechanics and engaging gameplay designed to appeal to various players.

Silvia Hristova, CT Interactive’s CPSO, stated: “We are excited to participate in BEGE, a central event for the gaming industry in Europe. This year, CT Interactive is showcasing a selection of games tailored to meet the evolving needs of our partners and engage players with innovative and localised content. BEGE offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, strengthen our relationships, and explore new growth opportunities in this dynamic region.

“We look forward to sharing our latest advancements and demonstrating our commitment to creating high-quality gaming experiences.”

The CT Interactive team at the expo will include Lachezar Petrov (CEO), Monika Zlateva (CCO), Silvia Hristova (CPSO), Antonio Donov (HBD EMEA & Asia), Kiril Kirilov (AM).

BEGE brings together manufacturers, online operators, affiliates, payment service providers and media professionals. This year’s exhibition will feature numerous companies from the gaming industry, showcasing their latest products, services and groundbreaking solutions.

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Balkans

Meridianbet (GMGI) Redefines Sports Sponsorship with Europe’s First Emblem Integration Deal

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Meridianbet, a global sports betting and gaming brand, part of the Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has advanced its strategic partnership with Euroleague basketball powerhouse Crvena Zvezda.

Building on over two years of collaboration, Meridianbet has achieved a first-of-its-kind branding integration in Serbia and the region by incorporating its logo into the club’s emblem. This innovative sponsorship represents a next-generation business model for sports partnerships, aligning with Meridianbet’s growth trajectory and global market positioning.

Breaking New Ground – Key Facts

  • First permanent logo integration in European basketball
  • Strong, ongoing partnership with a top-tier Euroleague club
  • Strategic amid NBA’s expanding interest in Europe

This partnership is not just a branding milestone but a reflection of Meridianbet’s long-term vision to reshape the future of sports sponsorship. Operating across 18 global markets and supporting over 100 professional and amateur sports clubs, Meridianbet demonstrates a forward-looking approach that integrates its brand into the core identity of its partners, fostering mutual growth and innovation.

Legacy Meets Innovation

This partnership unites two titans: Meridianbet, with 23 years of leadership in digital gaming, and Crvena Zvezda, a basketball dynasty with deep cultural significance for the entire Southeast Europe. As European basketball undergoes transformation and anticipates further global integration, this collaboration exemplifies how traditional sports values can harmonize with cutting-edge business strategies.

By embedding its brand into Crvena Zvezda’s crest, Meridianbet transcends conventional sponsorship, creating a long-term alliance that underscores its commitment to innovation, market leadership, and a shared vision for growth within the rapidly evolving sports landscape.

Group – Wide CSR Statement

Beyond the court, this move highlights Meridianbet’s broader ethos as part of Golden Matrix Group. As outlined in GMGI’s recent Q3 report, the company prioritizes investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR), funding grassroots sports initiatives, supporting youth education programs, and fostering sustainable development. Meridianbet’s sponsorships extend beyond financial transactions, representing a commitment to tangible community impact and long-term partnerships.

This strategic partnership also signals Meridianbet’s growing global ambitions. As part of Golden Matrix Group, the company continues to expand its presence in key markets while reinforcing its reputation as an innovator in sports betting and gaming. With proprietary technology and personalized customer experiences at its core, Meridianbet positions itself as a global leader deeply rooted in the communities it serves.

Crvena Zvezda’s fans, known for their passionate support, now carry a crest that combines legacy with innovation. For Meridianbet, this partnership is more than a branding exercise—it’s a statement of intent, a commitment to shaping the future of sports sponsorship in Serbia and beyond.

A New Era for European Basketball

Crvena Zvezda’s crest, now a blend of tradition and innovation, represents the convergence of two forces driving change in European sports. For Meridianbet, this initiative is not just a sponsorship—it’s a strategic declaration to shape the future of sports partnerships on a global scale.

As part of Golden Matrix Group, Meridianbet continues to expand its global footprint while pioneering next-generation solutions in sports betting and gaming. With proprietary technology and an unwavering commitment to personalized customer experiences, the company remains at the forefront of an industry poised for exponential growth.

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Serbia’s ZLF Urges Total Ban on Gambling Ads

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Serbia’s Zeleno-Levi Front (ZLF/Green-Left Front), a local green political party, is advocating for a total ban on gambling ads in the country. According to its representatives, banning all ads would be the most surefire way to protect the public from gambling harm.

The ZLF just organised the Games of Chance, Games with the Health of Citizens (Igre na sreću, igre sa zdravljem građana) forum, scrutinising the gaming industry and its negative consequences. During the forum, representatives slammed the government’s recent proposal to limit gambling ads, saying that this wouldn’t be enough.

For context, the government recently proposed a ban on gambling ads featuring prominent celebrities, mirroring similar measures in other regulated markets. For context, Serbian law currently allows professional athletes to advertise betting products, to safer gambling advocates’ dismay.

The ZLF, however, believes that its total ban would be the most effective way to minimise potential harm. During the forum, National Assembly member Biljana Đorđević noted that the ZLF had submitted a ban proposal in March but regretted that the government had not responded to the proposal or discussed the matter.

Đorđević suggested that Minister of Internal and External Trade Tomislav Momirović has been avoiding the discussion. Momirović, for context, has previously suggested reducing the visibility of gambling ads by prohibiting ads on billboards on busier roads and streets.

Echoing arguments and concerns raised in other regulated markets, Đorđević said that having celebrities promote gambling exposed children to potential danger. Since younger audiences are more easily affected by marketing, this could cause them to associate betting as a normal part of sports.

ZLF MP Marina Mijatović repeated these claims, saying that the government has so far done a bad job at protecting minors from negative exposure to gambling. While Mijatović acknowledged that Serbia cannot prohibit gambling, she noted that the ads do not need to be so eye-catching and appealing.

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