In a disturbing revelation, a customer of the unlicensed online casino Rolletto has uncovered a series of unauthorized transactions involving their Monzo, HSBC, and Barclays bank accounts. These transactions, occurring between May 24 and May 25, 2024, were processed by the payment provider PayOp and funneled to Rolletto, a site operated by Santeda International. This incident not only highlights severe breaches of anti-money laundering (AML) laws but also puts a spotlight on the critical role of payment processors in illegal operations.
The Rolletto Connections
The customer reported significant sums of money being transferred without authorization. These funds were directed through PayOp to a UK bank account with Clear Junction LTD, a company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an E-Money Institution. The details of the account are:
- Sort Code: 04-13-07
- Account Number: 29904109
- Bank: Clear Junction LTD (UK)
Rolletto, lacking a license from the UK Gambling Commission, operates illegally within the UK. Under section 33 of the Gambling Act, offering gambling services to UK consumers without a proper license constitutes a criminal offense. Santeda International B.V., the operator of Rolletto, claims to be “pending application” by the GCB, represented by igagroup.com, but this does not legalize their current operations.
Illegal Targeting and Misleading Practices
Rolletto has been accused of targeting UK consumers who are registered with GamStop, a self-exclusion scheme designed to protect individuals from gambling-related harm. By misrepresenting Visa and Mastercard payments, Rolletto and PayOp allegedly bypass UK banking blocks on gambling transactions. This not only undermines the intent of GamStop but also constitutes deceptive and fraudulent behavior.
The transactions were processed using false Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), which is a serious offense under the MCC system. This practice of misleading merchant information conceals the true nature of the transactions, complicating the audit trail and providing anonymity for illegal activities.
According to the Rolletto victim, numerous card transactions were made using false merchant codes involving entities like Fomiline, Goriwire, Bitsent, Wintermdse, and Arcomet. This indicates a deliberate effort to disguise the nature of the payments.
Violation of PayOp’s Terms and Conditions
The activities of Rolletto and PayOp breach several clauses in PayOp’s terms and conditions, specifically:
- Account Registration: Prohibits payments to or from entities offering illegal gambling services.
- Warranties and Representations: Requires merchants to have all necessary authorizations and licenses.
- Fraudulent Activity: Allows PayOp to annul any suspicious or fraudulent transactions and report them to authorities.
Legal and Regulatory Implications
The victim is seeking to recover all net deposits and is prepared to pursue legal action, including recovering court fees, legal costs, and statutory interest. This case underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory oversight and enforcement to protect consumers from fraudulent activities. The involvement of financial institutions and payment processors in facilitating illegal transactions must be thoroughly investigated to uphold the integrity of the financial system and protect vulnerable individuals.
Conclusion
This incident involving Rolletto and PayOp illustrates the critical importance of stringent compliance with AML laws and the regulatory framework governing financial transactions. Payment processors play a pivotal role in ensuring that their services are not misused for illegal activities. As such, they must exercise due diligence and adhere strictly to their terms and conditions to prevent becoming complicit in fraud. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against financial crimes and the necessity for vigilance in protecting consumers from exploitation.