The Parliament of Azerbaijan (Milli Majlis) has approved in the first reading a draft law aimed at tightening liability for organizing online gambling.
According to Oxu.Az, the relevant provisions are included in a package of amendments to the Criminal Code, which was reviewed at today’s plenary session of the parliament’s extraordinary session.
Under the proposed changes, criminal liability will arise in cases where gambling activities are organized:
- in an online format, including via the internet, mobile networks, social media platforms, as well as other electronic communication channels, internet and mobile applications, or technological solutions;
- with the involvement of minors;
- by a group of persons acting in prior collusion;
- with the generation of significant income.
In such cases, penalties include a fine of up to double the amount of illicit income obtained, as well as restriction of liberty for a period of two to four years or imprisonment for the same term.
If the offense is committed by an organized group or a criminal community (criminal organization) and is associated with the generation of large-scale income, the punishment provides for restriction of liberty for a period of three to five years or imprisonment for the same term.
It is noted that the current legislation provides for a fixed fine ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 manats ($5,900–$8,800). The proposed amendments suggest replacing this with a fine calculated based on the amount of criminal proceeds, which may reach up to twice that amount.
In addition, the draft law aims to strengthen liability for repeated organization or conduct of gambling, provision of premises for such activities, involvement of minors, as well as for obtaining significant, large, or especially large income and other aggravating circumstances.
Currently, repeated offenses are punishable by restriction of liberty for a period of four to five years or imprisonment for four to eight years.
Under the proposed amendments, penalties are expected to be tightened, introducing imprisonment terms ranging from five to eight years.
Following discussions, the document was put to a vote and approved in the first reading.
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