Last year Chinese authorities investigated approximately 73,000 cases related to cross-border gambling, leading to the dismantling of over 4,500 online gambling platforms, according to China’s Ministry of Public Security.
The ministry announced last week that multiple networks facilitating gambling and underground banking operations tied to large overseas gambling groups were disrupted.
According to the China Daily, the ongoing campaign against cross-border gambling has seen significant efforts, including four major operations that resulted in 45 key cases and the arrest of 11,000 suspects.
One notable success mentioned was the dismantling of a gambling organization known as “DC,” based in the Philippines, which had been actively soliciting Chinese gamblers for three years.
Chinese authorities have also enhanced international cooperation to effectively combat cross-border gambling that targets Chinese citizens. In the past year, over 3,700 individuals—ringleaders, financiers, and key members of criminal networks—were either repatriated or persuaded to return to China.
The ministry highlighted collaborative efforts with various departments, including foreign affairs, tourism, immigration, and the People’s Bank of China, to implement diverse strategies against cross-border gambling. This includes targeting payment systems, investment schemes, and illegal lotteries, leading to positive outcomes.
Additionally, China has ramped up its fight against telecom fraud in recent weeks, engaging in bilateral and multilateral cooperation with neighboring countries such as Thailand and Myanmar to eliminate online gambling and telecom scams.
In January, the Ministry of Public Security committed to enhancing international law enforcement collaboration to address telecom fraud operations in Myawaddy, Myanmar, which borders Thailand.
Last week a successful operation led to the rescue of 61 victims, including 39 Chinese nationals, from telecom fraud facilities in Myawaddy, with Myanmar authorities transferring them to their Thai counterparts.
This development followed Thailand’s decision to cut off power, fuel, and internet services in border regions with Myanmar.
Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping also met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Beijing, in a meeting where strengthening cooperation in combating cybercrimes, particularly online gambling and phone scams, was one of the issues on the table.
