A group of London-based businessmen has come under scrutiny over allegations that they have used the name of Anjouan, a small island in the Indian Ocean, to promote online gambling licences for casinos operating outside established regulatory safeguards.
An investigation published on Monday, October 19, 2026, reported that numerous online gambling platforms claim to hold licences issued through Anjouan, part of the Union of Comoros. However, the Comoros government has challenged the legitimacy of the licensing arrangement, describing the alleged misuse of the country’s name as illegal.
The investigation linked the operation to business interests associated with London’s Sherm Group, a property company reportedly holding a portfolio worth more than £25m. The allegations raise questions about how businesses can use offshore jurisdictions to give gambling platforms an appearance of regulatory approval.
Some casinos reportedly target British customers, including people seeking gambling websites that do not participate in GamStop, the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme designed to help people restrict their gambling.
In one reported test, an investigator registered with an offshore casino and placed bets before receiving more than 100 calls or emails encouraging further gambling.
The controversy highlights concerns about consumer protection, gambling addiction and the oversight of online betting platforms operating across borders.
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The allegations also raise questions about the use of offshore licences in cryptocurrency-related businesses and other financial services, where regulatory transparency is essential to protecting customers.
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