China’s first cross-border enforcement
China and the Philippines have launched a joint crackdown on online gambling sites in the Philippines, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reports. Those sites often target Mainland Chinese players, who are forbidden to gamble legally at home.
Four gambling websites have been closed in the crackdown and 99 people arrested, reported the Asia Gaming Brief. In addition, more than 1,100 bank accounts and RMB 70 million (US$10.2 million) in illicit funds have been frozen. The gambling ring is thought to have illegally earned nearly RMB 600 million.
“It is the first cross-border online gambling case jointly handled by the Chinese police and a foreign counterpart since China decided to crack down on such crimes,” the Xinhua report said.
Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun said the Chinese government would continue “to intensify its investigation and handling of such cases and will also look to strengthen international cooperation in its efforts.”
