Blockchain investigator ZachXBT has reported that UAE law enforcement arrested Ildar Ilkhamov, the founder of WhiteRock, in connection with a major crypto fraud case involving the ZKasino platform. The arrest links Ilkhamov to the alleged theft of $30 million in investor funds.
ZKasino, marketed as a decentralized gambling platform, attracted significant attention during its presale last year, raising over $30 million. However, the project quickly unraveled when the team allegedly began withdrawing funds without delivering on its promises.
Ilkhamov’s arrest follows the April 2025 arrest of Elham Noorzai, another key figure in the ZKasino scam, by Dutch authorities. Noorzai was later released, after which the stolen funds reportedly began moving through blockchains like ZkSync, Starknet, Ethereum, and Solana.
Ilkhamov’s own project, WhiteRock, launched in late 2024, and quickly drew scrutiny. ZachXBT highlighted suspicious features, including a fully anonymous team, fake partnerships, and multiple wallets traced to the stolen ZKasino funds. Investigators say these findings helped link Ilkhamov to the broader fraud scheme.
UAE officials are now reportedly coordinating with Dutch authorities regarding Ilkhamov’s possible extradition, where he is expected to face fraud charges.
