The investigation into Yusif Baghiyev, known as the “King of Gambling,” has been completed, and his criminal case will soon be submitted to the Baku Grave Crimes Court for trial, according to Qafqazinfo.
Baghiyev, also referred to as “Yusif Shekinski”, stands accused of organizing illegal gambling operations and laundering money obtained through criminal activity.
Investigators allege that he built a network of underground casinos that generated 161 million manats in illicit income – though that figure was later revised during the investigation.
The Anti-Corruption Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office charged Baghiyev under Articles 193-1.3.1 (money laundering committed by an organized group) and 244-1.4 (illegal gambling operations resulting in large-scale profits) of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code.
Authorities have frozen his assets worth millions of manats, including houses, cars, restaurants, and other properties. Among the seized assets are reportedly the well-known Nuxa and Medalyon restaurants owned by Baghiyev.
If convicted, the so-called “King of Gambling” faces up to 12 years in prison.
