Police in Heilongjiang province China have broken an online gambling ring working through a Philippines-based website that bettors in China.
Officials seized more than 80 million yuan—about $12.9 million—in gambling funds. Another 230 million yuan in bank assets have been frozen.
The main suspect in the case—only the surname Wang was released—was escorted from the Philippines to China by Chinese officials according to the China News Service. Some 125 suspects have been arrested in the case.
In all, the investigation covered 10 gambling networks as well as online payment platforms and other agencies.
In China, gambling activities are punishable by up to three years in prison and fines. Those who run casinos can be given a maximum of 10 years in prison plus fines.
The investigation started after police received tips on the site “dafa888.com”, the report said. The Philippine-based ring targeted Chinese gamblers across 10 provinces. The site offered sports betting, poker and other games.
Police blocked two gambling websites operated under dafabet.com that target Chinese gamblers, and attempts have been made to extradite six of the Chinese residents involved.
So far two Chinese nationals have been escorted by authorities back to China from the Philippines for further investigation, the police said.
