Financial Intelligence Brief: NovaForge Ltd – Emerging Power in the Underground Online Casino Industry
NovaForge’s Operations in the Gambling World Recent investigations by Scam-Or Project have identified NovaForge Ltd as a key player in a global network of illegal online casinos. Operating under the guise of multiple brands and domains, NovaForge continues the legacy of the defunct Rabidi Group. Registered in the Marshall Islands and newly licensed by Anjouan Gaming, the company’s activities raise serious questions about compliance, money laundering, and the involvement of Cyprus-based payment agents.
The Emergence of NovaForge Ltd
- Offshore Registration
- NovaForge Ltd is registered in the Marshall Islands and linked to Anjouan Gaming, a licensing body with controversial practices.
- Operational Continuity
- The company operates dozens of online casino brands, many of which were previously tied to the Rabidi Group.
- Payment Processing Role
- NovaForge acts as both an operator of illegal casinos and a payment processor within its network.
Key Entities in the Network
| Entity | Jurisdiction | Role |
| NovaForge Ltd | Marshall Islands | Casino operator and payment processor |
| Liernin Enterprises Ltd | Marshall Islands | Linked entity managing casino brands |
| Mirata Services Ltd | Cyprus | Payment agent |
The Rabidi Group Connection
Continuity of Operations
Scam-Or Project September 2024 report revealed that Rabidi Group’s bankruptcy led to the quiet transfer of its assets to entities like Liernin Enterprises and NovaForge. These new operators maintain illegal gambling operations under rebranded domains, continuing to evade regulatory oversight.
- Triggering Incident: Rabidi’s collapse was instigated by unpaid winnings owed to a German player.
- Continuing Activities: NovaForge and Liernin Enterprises have since registered over 50 domains for casino operations through Anjouan Gaming.
Download the Rabidi Bankruptcy Report.
Cyprus: The Operational Hub
Cyprus has emerged as a central hub for the network’s financial and operational activities.
Key Findings
- Mirata Services Ltd: Facilitates payments through Binance, raising concerns about cryptocurrency use in money laundering.
- MiFinity: A high-risk payment processor used by NovaForge for transaction handling.
| Payment Agent | Platform | Role |
| Mirata Services Ltd | Binance | Processes crypto payments |
| NovaForge Ltd | MiFinity | Handles high-risk transactions |
Connections to SoftSwiss and Russian Operators
SoftSwiss Involvement
Evidence suggests that NovaForge and the former Rabidi Group are linked to SoftSwiss and the Merkeleon Group. These entities, controlled by Russian nationals Roland Isaev and Paata Gamgoneishvili, facilitate operations through gaming software and crypto payment platforms.
- SoftSwiss Founder: Ivan Montik, connected to CoinsPaid and CryptoProcessing platforms.
- Additional Entities: Dama, Hollycorn, and N1 Interactive are part of this network.
Read the SoftSwiss Report.
Anjouan Gaming: A Questionable Licensing Body
Anjouan Gaming’s licensing of NovaForge highlights issues with offshore regulatory frameworks. Its lack of transparency and rigorous oversight enables operators to present a façade of legitimacy while flouting gambling laws in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Implications of Anjouan Gaming Licensing
- Provides a cover for illegal activities.
- Undermines efforts by local regulators to control online gambling.
The Expanding Network
Despite regulatory challenges, the illegal gambling network persists, adapting to exposure and enforcement actions.
Key Features of the Network
- New Entities and Brands
- Replacement of exposed operations with rebranded domains and legal entities.
- Financial Infrastructure
- Utilization of high-risk payment processors like MiFinity and Binance.
- Global Reach
- Operations span Europe, North America, and Asia, with Cyprus as a pivotal hub.
Conclusion
NovaForge Ltd’s emergence reflects the resilience of illegal online casino networks. With ties to SoftSwiss, the Merkeleon Group, and a questionable licensing framework, the need for robust regulatory action is evident.
