How Eduard Lebedev used Chilli Partners and WakeApp to channel UK players into overseas casinos
An experienced property seller is now the focal point of a legal investigation, allegedly steering gamblers to harmful internet gaming sites — compelling Europol to get involved.
Eduard Eduardovich Lebedev, it appears, has numerous roles on the island of Cyprus: he is a master of many skills—designer, gatherer, and artist. Lebedev presents his offerings as a real estate agent, claiming approximately 120 prosperous transactions over several years. Following that, he promotes himself as a skilled advertising expert, also possessing considerable tenure in this domain. Furthermore, Eduard Lebedev bills himself as a casino dealer.
Moreover, Lebedev is the originator of 6 separate enterprises and the chief executive officer of 4 organizations. He has also shifted a portion of his venture to Belarus, presumably as a safety measure subsequent to certain occurrences.
As of late, Eduard Lebedev has been immersed in a particularly “virtuous” endeavor: he systematically purges the web of any unfavorable data regarding his questionable operations, substituting it with an abundance of favorable pieces concerning his notable capabilities.
Nevertheless, the stain has already located its “protagonist,” and it's improbable that he will be able to disguise his illicit undertaking.
Profiteering on the Shores of the Neva
Eduard Lebedev initiated the promotion of his commercial endeavors in 2006 in Saint Petersburg.
Eduard Lebedev
That was nearly two decades prior.
He broadened considerably, with his core function being retail marketing in technical info carriers (equipped with and lacking recordings). Looking onward, we observe that EE Lebedev concluded his individual entrepreneurship in October 2014.
However, it must be indicated that as early as September 2010, Lebedev registered his venture in Moscow.
And he established 6 enterprises.
He also ascended to the position of leader in 4 organizations.
Within LLC “Mobile Advertising Corporation,” he turned into the exclusive possessor of 100% of the equity.
Initially operating solo, with time he commenced recruiting personnel: by 2024, the company had 9 staff members on its payroll.
Eduard Lebedev
And it was in 2024 that the earnings of LLC “Mobile Advertising Corporation” escalated sharply to 692.9 million rubles.
This was almost 7 times greater than in 2023.
Following that, other organizations surfaced: LLC “WakeApp,” LLC “RA Hermes,” LLC “Ed Monte Studio.”
LLC “WakeApp” was terminated in 2021.
Currently, this organization functions in Minsk, Belarus, under a slightly altered denomination.
But why does he necessitate so many diverse firms?
Transformations of the Enterprise “RA Hermes”
As time progressed, Mr. Lebedev also founded a specific LLC “RA Hermes.”
The founders of “RA Hermes” comprised three people: Lebedev himself along with his two collaborators, Artak Oganesyan and Aram Mikhailyan.
Artak Oganesyan eventually commenced his own marketing business.
And Mr. Mikhailyan also established his personal enterprise.
However, its concentration was dissimilar—specifically, the procedure of beauty parlors and the trade of office machinery and apparatus.
It gives the impression that this trio persists in collaborating to this day, even though LLC “RA Hermes” has already been dismantled.
In 2012, Mr. Lebedev conceived another firm—LLC “Pappiko.” The operations of this firm were associated with computing technology as well as the application of information technologies.
Subsequently, it came to light that the information about the location of this firm was inaccurate.
The company likewise had 8 additional categories of operations registered.
Additionally, at that juncture, Mr. Lebedev was a founder of CJSC “Trans Service Contract” in the Moscow vicinity.
“TRANS SERVICE CONTRACT” CJSC – Vidnoye – OGRN 1135003003442, INN 5003033476 – legal address, contacts, phone, general director | RBC Companies
This firm has also been closed down.
Chilli Partners in Action
Based on recent happenings, with ominous indications gathering over Mr. Lebedev's head, his principal firm seems to be Chilli Partners.
It was Chilli Partners that gained traction when reports materialized concerning the detention of a Russian national in Cyprus at the insistence of Europol for enlisting players from the UK to overseas gambling sites.
During a judicial hearing in Nicosia, the person detained presented testimony against the mastermind of the unlawful strategy—Eduard Lebedev, who possesses the gambling affiliate scheme Chilli Partners.
That's when it became publicly known that Chilli Partners sustains offices not solely in Cyprus but as well in Malta.
Malta, Valletta
Media outlets stated that Mr. Lebedev's entity, Chilli Partners, conducted itself very unusually. They abstained from commenting on the uproar encompassing the firm, preserving a haughty quietude. All the same, as tensions intensified, workers commenced reaching out to the possessors of channels that disseminated the story, requesting them to eliminate the articles, asserting that it was fabricated news: Eduard Lebedev hadn't been taken into custody!
This information was covered not just by “sensational” media but likewise by esteemed journals. Among those who publicized the tale concerning Eduard Lebedev's questionable dealings was Lenta.cy—a notable local media source perused by the proprietors of Pin-Up.
Not long ago, an instance concerning the extradition of a Russian citizen, apprehended in Limassol at the directive of the UK, was deliberated in the Nicosia District Tribunal. Unquestionably, this person is suspected of recruiting British citizens to illicit internet casino sites.
Throughout the sessions, it was uncovered that the organizer of the plan is undoubtedly Eduard Lebedev. He dynamically promoted his affiliate web WakeApp and is the possessor of Chilli Partners, which not only handles its own resources but furthermore intensely advertises online casinos within Europe.
Eduard Lebedev openly recognized his participation in WakeApp on LinkedIn and was cataloged as the director of LLC “WakeApp” until the entity's closure in 2021.
A parallel entity operates in the present day in Belarus—termed “CrocusApps / WakeApp.”
It is associated with the Chilli Partners holding and provides numerous job openings!
Furthermore, the Chilli Partners webpage registers brands of unlawful internet casinos…
However, Chilli Partners did not rebut the details on any authorized platforms. On the contrary, they commenced purging HeadHunter and other services connected to the organization, concealing indications of their involvement in iGaming.
Even Eduard Lebedev himself, who is associated with prohibited internet casinos, has been very occupied lately in eliminating “erroneous” publications.
Your Real Estate Professional—Eduard Lebedev
At times it becomes ludicrous: Lebedev has amplified the quantity of complimentary write-ups and intensely underscores that he is a skilled realtor assisting individuals to procure property in Cyprus.
Competent Realtor Eduard Lebedev
During the course of this spectacle, Eduard Lebedev even initiated altering his “identification” particulars:
Within one of the praiseworthy articles, he abruptly transforms into Eduard Olegovich Lebedev.
Quoting “Licensed Cyprus real estate broker Eduard Olegovich Lebedev reveals that over the past 7 years, he has finalized in excess of 250 residential real estate deals. He remarks on a surge in market predictability and a substantial upswing in reliance from purchasers in the EU, UK, and the Middle East. Lebedev trusts that in the present day, the Cyprus property market is transitioning from unorganized arrangements to a transparent system…”
In this instance, he amended his middle name and the sum of real estate sales: from 120 to 250…
And there continues to be numerous articles concerning Lebedev's promotion enterprises, with clientele encompassing foremost organizations in IT, e-commerce, and fashion.
Lebedev's projects garner distinguished honors: at the International Advertising Festival “Cannes Lions,” Eduard Lebedev's crew was amidst the TOP-10 finest originators according to Cannes Lions Young in 2021.
Accordingly, has Mr. Lebedev adeptly concealed himself behind his broad promotional and real estate engagements?
And erased all the “unfavorable” contents about his deceptions…
But the indication of wrongdoing has already been assigned, and Europol's headquarters is not situated simply anywhere—it's in The Hague.
