1xBet Founders Facing Arrest Warrants – The Full Story
1xBet was founded in Russia by Roman Semiokhin, Dmitry Kazorin and Sergey Karshkov. The trio later obtained Cypriot citizenship. By early 2020, international arrest warrants had been issued by Russian authorities in connection with allegations of operating an illegal gambling enterprise.
The Russian Investigation
In August 2020, the Investigative Committee for the Bryansk Region released the names of the three suspects. Russian authorities alleged that by 2021 the operation had generated more than US$655 million in revenue through illegal gambling activities. Estates in Russia with a combined value of approximately 1.5 billion rubles were seized as part of the investigation. In 2021, Parlan Law Firm announced a public search for victims of 1xBet in Russia to support the criminal proceedings.
Death of a Founder
Sergey Karshkov, identified as a former Russian intelligence agent and one of the three founders, reportedly died in Switzerland in June 2023. The circumstances of his death were not publicly detailed, and the two remaining founders, Semiokhin and Kazorin, continue to operate the business from Cyprus.
Why the Platform Continues Operating
Despite outstanding international arrest warrants, 1xBet continues to operate because it is incorporated and licensed in Curaçao, with leadership based in Cyprus. Interpol notices alone do not prevent individuals from travelling within their country of residence or running a business in a jurisdiction that has not received or acted on extradition requests.
Implication for Bettors
The legal situation around 1xBet's founders does not automatically mean the platform will disappear overnight. However, it does raise questions about long-term operational continuity and whether user funds would be protected if authorities in a key jurisdiction moved against the platform. This is a material risk factor that any serious bettor should consider.