The tiny island of Anjouan, part of the Union of Comoros, has become an unexpected hub for underground online gambling. Known for its exports like ylang-ylang oil and vanilla, Anjouan is now infamous for selling licenses to rogue casinos, many of which operate illegally and target vulnerable customers. Some casinos have been accused of refusing to pay out winnings, and at least one appears to be chasing British gamblers through high-profile stunts involving the porn actor Bonnie Blue and the far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Anjouan is not acting independently but appears to be co-opted by a small group of mostly British businessmen operating from London. The Sherm Group, based in Finchley, is at the center of this network. The company, led by Elliot Sorsky, offers various services, including property management and private jet travel. Sorsky's LinkedIn profile, now deleted, claimed degrees from prestigious universities, which Oxford University denied. The Sorsky family's involvement in gambling extends beyond poker, with evidence suggesting they act as fixers for underground casinos.
Nearly 1,500 gaming license holders are registered with the Anjouan Gaming Authority, many specializing in crypto gambling. BC.Game, a well-known licensee, sponsored Leicester City FC and has been accused of accepting bets from UK customers without a British license. BetBolt, another licensee, has targeted British punters through stunts involving Bonnie Blue and Tommy Robinson. The majority of Anjouan's licensees are less visible but are promoted as being 'not on GamStop,' a UK self-exclusion tool for problem gamblers.
The Comoros government has denounced the licensing regime as illegal, stating that it undermines the country's efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing. The government is preparing judicial action. The Anjouan Offshore Financial Authority, which claims to oversee the licenses, is described as a fiction by the Comoros government. The London connection involves Anjouan Corporate Services, which offers licenses for gambling, crypto, and banking for £19,000. The company is linked to the Sorsky family, with Elliot Sorsky's son Toby serving as head of licensing.