In a move to curb the rapid spread of illegal online casinos and financial fraud, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has announced the creation of a national database of “droppers” — individuals who allow third parties to use their bank accounts to facilitate unlawful transactions.
The measure is designed to disrupt the financial infrastructure of unauthorized gambling operations, which often rely on unsuspecting or complicit intermediaries to move funds undetected. According to Russian officials, “droppers” play a critical role in helping casino operators circumvent banking regulations and enforcement mechanisms.
Once operational, the database will allow banks and fintech companies to proactively identify and block transactions involving flagged accounts before they’re processed. The system will be integrated with Russia’s national payment monitoring framework, giving regulators a more detailed picture of high-risk financial activity.
The CBR noted that this effort is part of a broader crackdown on digital financial crimes, particularly those involving unlicensed gambling, money laundering, and illegal betting platforms. Authorities believe the initiative will deter individuals from “renting” their accounts for quick cash — a practice that has grown in popularity amid rising online gambling activity.
The initiative aligns with global trends as regulators in countries like Colombia, the Philippines, and Spain have taken similar steps to block digital gambling-related transactions and hold intermediaries accountable.
As illegal gambling networks grow more sophisticated, Russia’s new database represents a systemic approach to dismantling support structures from within — targeting not just operators, but also those who make their operations possible.
