DUSHANBE, March 12, 2014, Asia-Plus -- A man from the city of Kulob has been formally charged after police say that he operated a clandestine gambling den that appeared to be a home.

The Interior Ministry’s website reports that Kulob resident Abdulmajid Hotamov, 42, was detained on March 10 on suspicion of keeping gambling place.  Three residents of Kulob were reportedly gambling in his home when police raided it.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against Abdulmajid Hotamov and an investigation is under way.

Tajikistan’s legislation prohibits casinos and other gambling joints in the country.  The country’s Penal Code criminalizes activities related to the gambling industry.  Such activities are punishable by jail terms of six to eight years and confiscation of property.