Wanted by Interpol, yet running a billion-dollar business: Why 1xBet founder Roman Semiokhin continues to operate his empire from Cyprus
Roman Semiokhin, the founder and principal beneficiary of online bookmaker 1xBet, is wanted internationally, including by Interpol. He faces allegations of organizing illegal gambling operations and money laundering. He is also subject to Ukrainian sanctions.
None of this appears to have slowed him down.
Semiokhin lives openly in Limassol, Cyprus, where he organizes music festivals, develops office complexes, and gives interviews to Forbes. It is also where he established 1xBet’s headquarters. In 2021, he publicly stated that he had transformed a single betting shop, launched in 2007, into a business valued at $1 billion.
European regulators have long blacklisted 1xBet. The company has been accused of accepting bets on cockfighting and competitions involving children, advertising on pirate websites, and streaming casino games featuring nude dealers. Russia placed Semiokhin on its wanted list back in 2020. Authorities seized assets worth tens of billions of rubles, yet Semiokhin himself has remained beyond their reach.
Moreover, the business continues to thrive even in countries where gambling is completely banned. In Iran, a dedicated version of the website, ir.1xbet, operates with local customer support and payment solutions.
While some countries continue trying to bring him to justice, Semiokhin remains in Cyprus, expanding his business, hosting events, and continuing to generate revenue from customers around the world.
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