93 arrested in over €116 million cross-border gambling syndicate operation

Jenny Ortiz July 2, 2024

SiGMA news

93 arrested in over €116 million cross-border gambling syndicate operation

A collaborative operation by police forces from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau has dismantled a major cross-border illegal gambling syndicate. Macau Judiciary Police said the operation, which culminated in the arrest of 93 individuals, targeted a sophisticated network involved in online gambling activities. Among those apprehended were key figures and masterminds, with authorities seizing over MOP8 million (€925,507) in various currencies.

The development follows China’s efforts to crack down on illegal cross-border gambling. Earlier this year, 93 people were arrested in China’s southwestern province. According to local reports, the syndicate network had an operation from the Philippines, and it is targeting Chinese gamblers.

Extensive operation and seizures

According to local media reports, the syndicate which has been active since 2016, conducted transactions totalling at least MOP1 billion (€115.6 million). During the crackdown, police discovered that the syndicate utilised overseas servers to host websites for betting on football and basketball games, offering attractive odds to lure gamblers. The operation involved simultaneous raids across Macau, Cotai, and Coloane, resulting in the confiscation of significant amounts of cash, mobile phones, computers, and other evidence.

Incarcerated members and continued investigations

Investigations revealed that four members of the syndicate are currently incarcerated for a money laundering case, while another four are suspects in an illegal gambling case. Evidence from a 2022 money laundering investigation linked these imprisoned members to ongoing illegal gambling activities, prompting further scrutiny and intelligence gathering. Mainland Chinese authorities also arrested 42 syndicate members, seizing RMB80 million (€10.2 million) in cash and freezing over 90 bank accounts.

Hong Kong arrest and financial operations

Meanwhile, Hong Kong police arrested a man in Tuen Mun who played a significant role in the syndicate, helping it receive over HKD8 million (€954,220) in wagers over nine months. Investigations revealed that during the Euro 2024, the syndicate received over MOP72 million (€8.3 million) per week through peripheral betting.

Physical gambling den disguised as coffee shop

Further investigations led to the discovery of a physical illegal gambling den in the commercial area of Areia Preta, Macau. Disguised as a coffee shop, the den operated irregularly to avoid detection, offering games like Texas Hold’em and mahjong, with dealers manipulating card arrangements.

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