The island of Anjouan, part of the Union of Comoros located in the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Madagascar, has become a focal point in an ongoing struggle against an offshore online gambling network operating under dubious licensing. Although known primarily for exports like ylang-ylang oil and vanilla, Anjouan’s name has increasingly been associated with the issuance of questionable gambling and financial licences, many connected to operators targeting international markets, including the United Kingdom.
At the center of this controversy is a network of mainly British businessmen who have been selling unofficial licences for gambling, banking, and cryptocurrency trading under the guise of Anjouan regulation. This licensing, facilitated by a company called Anjouan Corporate Services, reportedly offers a form of legitimacy to underground operators, despite its remote origins. The firm charges up to £19,000 for “expert guidance” in obtaining these permits.
Public records and corporate filings link four members of the Sorsky family—Elliot, Harold, Richard, and Michael—involved in Anjouan Corporate Services and its UK-based parent company, ACS Global Custodian. These entities operate from a London office associated with the Sherm Group, a family-run property and services business. Toby Sorsky, identified as head of licensing for Anjouan Corporate Services, is reportedly connected to these operations, alongside his father, Elliot Sorsky. However, Harold Sorsky denies involvement by ACS in gaming licences issued since 2023, characterizing allegations as outdated or inaccurate.
The Anjouan Gaming Authority publicly lists nearly 1,500 licence holders, many operating in crypto gambling. Well-known examples include BC.Game, formerly Leicester City FC’s shirt sponsor, which is accused of accepting British bets without a proper UK gambling licence, and BetBolt, which has courted notoriety through marketing stunts involving figures like porn actor Bonnie Blue and far-right activist Tommy Robinson. BetBolt asserts it does not take bets from UK players and described such activities as brand awareness exercises.
Regulatory experts warn that many Anjouan licence holders sidestep the UK’s GamStop self-exclusion system, making them potentially attractive to players struggling with gambling addiction. Some sites require users to employ virtual private networks to access their platforms, further emphasizing their unregulated status within the UK. Anjouan-licensed casinos have also been reported to employ aggressive marketing tactics, including frequent unsolicited contact encouraging continued play.
The government of the Comoros has condemned the licensing regime as “illegal activities” that misuse the country’s name to lend a false appearance of legitimacy. A spokesperson for the Central Bank of the Comoros criticized the disruption this causes to domestic efforts aimed at combating money laundering and terror financing. Local authorities are preparing judicial action and seeking cooperation from international partners, including the UK, to address the issue.
Industry insiders note that the shift toward Anjouan licences has coincided with increased regulatory scrutiny in traditional offshore gambling hubs like Curaçao. The relative ease and lower cost of securing Anjouan licences—around £20,000 compared to approximately £80,000 in Curaçao—make it an attractive alternative for operators seeking to avoid transparency and regulation.
Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of these illicit gambling operations, with Comorian officials actively requesting support from British law enforcement and financial intelligence agencies. The UK Treasury declined to comment on the matter. The dispute underscores the growing complexities faced by regulators in an increasingly globalised and digital gambling landscape.