Somali police commander blames online gambling among soldiers

Online gambling among government soldiers is contributing to a rise in crime in Mogadishu, as stated by Banaadir Regional Police Commander Moalim Mahdi. According to local news site Hiiran, Mahdi expressed serious concerns about the impact of online gambling on national security, linking it directly to an increase in criminal activities.

Commander Mahdi highlighted that soldiers who gamble away their salaries and even their weapons often resort to crimes such as mobile phone theft. In extreme cases, he noted, some have committed murder when civilians refuse to surrender their belongings.

The Somali federal government has been addressing the societal ramifications of online gambling. On August 20, 2023, the Ministry of Communications and Technology announced a ban on 1XBET, along with other platforms like TikTok and Telegram, citing their negative influence on Somali youth and potential misuse by groups such as Al-Shabaab. Subsequently, the National Anti-Money Laundering & Countering Terrorist Financing Commission declared a nationwide ban on all gambling activities, labeling such platforms as exploitative and contrary to Somalia's religious beliefs. Financial institutions were ordered to halt transactions related to 1XBET and report any associated accounts to the Financial Reporting Center.

Somalia does not have a comprehensive legal framework specifically regulating gambling. The legal environment regarding gambling is influenced by a mix of traditional, Islamic, and statutory laws. Islamic law, which is a significant aspect of Somalia’s legal system, generally prohibits gambling and betting activities.