$435m Online Gambling Ring Run by Chinese was Busted in Vietnam

30.07.2019, 15:45

The Ministry of Public Security on Saturday night busted a Chinese-run gambling ring in the Hai Phong city, Vietnam. The ring had close to 400 Chinese nationals as members. An early report of the investigation indicated that the illegal activity had contributed to an estimated $435 million in transactions.

The residential area police raid netted 530 computers and close to 2000 smartphones. It’s alleged that the computers with 20 servers were hidden in separate rooms in different buildings. Bank cards, cash, and files were other items the authorities confiscated from the foreigners. Previously, the Vietnam authorities have also busted a $1 billion illegal gambling ring.

The suspects who are aged 18-24 entered the country disguising as tourists. Reportedly, the alien youths were on a payroll of $435 a month. The scheming management placed the workers who worked in shifts in small groups.

A Vietnam News Agency respondent revealed that the law enforcement officers had barricaded the area at around 10:00 pm. The respondent further narrated that the gates too were heavily guarded during the night raid.

A company from Hong Kong had established the urban center where the Chinese were hiding in 2012. The complex boasts of five apartments and a huge commercial center. It remains silent on the period the online gambling ring began its activities.

Police officers wondered how lucky they were unearthing a nearly impossible situation considering the smartness level of the perpetrators. The authorities noted that the Chinese nationals were careful to identify an isolated location. Running the activities within apartments in a new center was meant to limit residents and authority suspicion.

The equipment raided suggested that the suspects were engaging in cross-border gaming, sports betting, and lottery activities. The investigation also revealed that some suspects were staying in local hotels to avoid scrutiny.

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