Sanctions brought to bear
The U.S. government says the Zhao Wei network that operates a casino in Laos is a “transnational criminal organization,” according to the Associated Press.
The U.S. Treasury Department says the Kings Romans Casino is a center of trafficking in drugs, people and exotic wildlife. It claims the network stores and distributes heroin and methamphetamine, and smuggles endangered animals including Asiatic black bears, pangolins, tigers, rhinos and elephants. The casino reportedly attracts Chinese gamblers, the AP reported.
The department has imposed sanctions on Chinese national Zhao Wei, co-owner of three associated companies in Laos, Thailand and Hong Kong. The sanctions include the freezing of any U.S. assets and an embargo that bars Americans from dealing with the companies.
