SEO specialists who highlight illegal gambling practices are being targeted for intimidation  

The battle against illegal online casinos no longer seems to be confined solely to Google’s search results. In recent weeks, there has been considerable unrest on LinkedIn after several SEO specialists and researchers, who are involved in exposing the black market for gambling, reported that they had become the targets of intimidation, hacking attempts and threats.  

According to those involved, there appears to be a pattern whereby accounts are attacked after they publish content about affiliates promoting illegal online casinos. Although the identity of those responsible is unknown, some victims are now speaking of an organised campaign which they describe as the ‘gambling mafia’.  

The issue surrounding the growth of the illegal gambling market has been receiving increasing attention recently. For instance, various experts are warning that the black market is gaining ground and that rogue affiliates are becoming increasingly aggressive in their methods. GamblingClub has also previously highlighted the growth of the illegal sector in Belgium, which draws attention to the risks for consumers and the legal market.  

Frank Kruit gives a detailed account of the attacks  

One of the best-known figures to have spoken out critically against illegal casinos in recent years is the Dutch SEO specialist Frank Kruit. On LinkedIn, he describes how his account was targeted by hacking attempts on several occasions.  

According to Kruit, the trouble began with attempts to gain access to his LinkedIn profile. Initially, he managed to recover his account quickly, but a few days later his profile was restricted again and he temporarily lost access.  

He writes:  

“The trouble started last week. Attempts to hack into my LinkedIn profile. I recovered fairly quickly. No problem.”  

Further problems followed, after which his account was only partially visible. Eventually, LinkedIn escalated the situation and all restrictions were lifted. According to Kruit, it remains unclear why this ultimately succeeded.  

He emphasises that he was not alone in this. Throughout the process, he was in close contact with another SEO specialist from the casino industry who was facing exactly the same problems.  

Although his account was eventually restored, Kruit states that by no means everyone is so lucky.  

“It just goes to show that the fight against illegal gambling comes at a price.”  

Ivana Flynn reports similar intimidation 

SEO specialist Ivana Flynn also says she has fallen victim to similar incidents. According to her, her LinkedIn account was initially deleted before being restored later. She has since reported further attempts to gain access to her account.  

She has also received several threatening messages.  

On LinkedIn, Flynn writes:  

“My LinkedIn drama continues. My account wasn’t successfully hacked, but I’ve received these lovely threats and I’m not the only one.”  

According to Flynn, someone received no fewer than 22 requests in a single morning to set a PIN for her account. She is calling on LinkedIn to take the situation seriously.  

Kruit: “We both received the same threats”  

Frank Kruit also refers to Flynn’s situation in a later post.  

He writes:  

“Ivana Flynn, who regularly publishes on Google about illegal practices surrounding casinos, is facing exactly the same thing.”  

He also reports that both received comments under their posts from the same source as where they suspect the attacks are coming from.  

Despite these events, Kruit says he will not be intimidated, although he does fear that his account may fall victim to further attacks.  

Who is behind this? 

It is striking that none of those involved have publicly named any individuals or organisations allegedly responsible for the intimidation. As a result, it remains unclear who is behind the hacking attempts and threats.  

Whether this actually constitutes a coordinated campaign has not yet been independently established. However, it does appear certain that several individuals who actively publish content about illegal gambling practices have reported similar experiences within a short space of time.  

The debate once again highlights just how sensitive this issue has become. This is particularly true now that the Belgian Gaming Commission and various media outlets are increasingly warning of the risks posed by illegal operators. It therefore remains important for consumers to use only licensed operators and to inform themselves properly about safe and responsible online gambling, so that they do not end up dealing with parties operating outside the supervision of the authorities.