Overview of the SoftSwiss Case in running illegal online casinos that target Germany

Overview of the SoftSwiss Case

A thorough investigation has revealed important links between Wirecard and SoftSwiss, a company based in Berlin and led by Ivan Montik, who was born in Belarus. As part of BR’s “Gambling without Rules” series, the report highlights SoftSwiss’ significant involvement in running illegal online casinos that target Germany. These findings, supported by earlier research from the Scam-Or Project and the Australian regulator ACMA, expose a complex and hidden gambling network that spans Malta, Cyprus, Curaçao, and Germany.

Key Findings

1. SoftSwiss’ Role in Illegal Gambling
Founded by Ivan Montik, SoftSwiss is recognized as a key player in the operation of illegal online gambling platforms with connections to Berlin.

2. Wirecard’s Involvement
SoftSwiss and its related entity, Direx N.V. (now known as Dama N.V.), processed more than €61 million through Wirecard, which collapsed in 2020.

3. Australian Regulator ACMA’s Confirmation
ACMA has identified Ivan Montik and Maksim Trafimovich as significant figures behind Direx N.V., which operates multiple illegal platforms.

4. Complex Ownership Structures
Transfers between N1 Interactive Ltd (Malta) and Dama N.V. (Curaçao) indicate intentional efforts to hide ownership and avoid taxes.

5. Jan Marsalek’s Role
The involvement of former Wirecard executive Jan Marsalek raises concerns, particularly due to his direct requests for financial reports from SoftSwiss.

The SoftSwiss Network

According to BR’s report, Ivan Montik, a Belarusian entrepreneur now living in Berlin, runs SoftSwiss with global connections. The SoftSwiss website mentions operations by Stable Aggregator Limited, previously known as N1 Aggregator Limited, which is licensed by the MGA in Malta.

Structure of the SoftSwiss Network

– Stable Aggregator Ltd (Malta): Main operating entity
– N1 Interactive Ltd (Malta): Gambling operator fined by Dutch regulators
– Dama N.V.** (Curaçao): Operated the former Direx N.V.
– Befree Ltd** (Cyprus): Ownership ties to Montik and Kashuba
– True Infrastructure Ltd (North America): Supporting operations

The network also includes companies in Cyprus, Austria, Lithuania, and the Americas, often managed through nominee arrangements. The law firm Revera, where Helen Mourashko (the wife of SoftSwiss executive Pavel Kashuba) is a partner, facilitates these operations.

Wirecard’s Collapse and Implications

SoftSwiss’ transactions with Wirecard are notable, with insolvency documents revealing dealings worth €61 million in 2018. Marsalek, a former Wirecard COO and alleged Russian operative, personally requested financial reports from SoftSwiss in 2020, shortly before he fled to avoid prosecution.

Financial Transactions Overview

– **2018**: SoftSwiss processed €61 million via Wirecard
– **2019**: N1 Interactive Ltd had unknown amounts transferred to Dama N.V.

Australian Regulator ACMA Findings

ACMA’s investigation confirmed the leadership roles of Ivan Montik and Maksim Trafimovich in Direx N.V. These findings are consistent with court documents from the British Virgin Islands, which link Montik and Kashuba to Befree Ltd, a Cyprus-based operator of illegal casinos.

Regulatory Challenges

Despite the growing evidence, German regulators like GGL face difficulties in tackling illegal gambling operations. Measures such as IP blocking and payment restrictions are often circumvented by foreign operators. GGL has confirmed that SoftSwiss does not hold a license in Germany and has not applied for one.

Conclusion and Call to Action

BR’s investigation, bolstered by Scam-Or Project research, reveals a global network of illegal gambling operations. The findings implicate SoftSwiss and its affiliates, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory action.

Submit Information

The Scam-Or Project invites whistleblowers with information about SoftSwiss, CoinsPaid, or related entities to come forward. Tips can be submitted securely via Whistle42.com.