China’s Ministry of Public Security said it dismantled more than 4,500 illegal online gambling platforms and investigated 73,000 cross-border gambling cases in 2024, as part of an intensified crackdown on illicit betting operations.
Authorities also dismantled 45 major cross-border gambling syndicates, leading to the arrest of over 11,000 suspects, the Ministry said in a statement.
Beijing has continued its efforts to curb overseas gambling activities targeting Chinese citizens, which include both land-based and online operations.
In a three-year investigation, authorities in Chongqing uncovered a large-scale syndicate known as the DC Group, which had been operating out of the Philippines and soliciting Chinese players. The group recruited Chinese nationals for marketing and operations, according to state media.
Authorities also dismantled solicitation networks and underground banking operations linked to overseas gambling groups, the ministry said.
The Chinese government worked with multiple departments to disrupt payment channels supporting illicit gambling, including livestream-based betting, illegal lotteries, and gambling-related investments.
Officials also reinforced a blacklist system for foreign gambling destinations frequently visited by Chinese nationals.
As part of its international cooperation, China conducted two repatriation operations in April and November 2024, bringing back more than 1,200 Chinese nationals from Cambodia who were allegedly involved in fraud and gambling-related crimes.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing would strengthen law enforcement cooperation with neighboring countries to combat online gambling and telecom fraud.
The Ministry of Public Security said: “Various departments across the country will strengthen publicity and education, conduct in-depth publicity through various means to reveal the harmful nature of gambling, and follow up and expose the latest means of cross-boundary gambling crimes in a timely manner, so as to vigorously enhance the public’s awareness and ability to recognize, reject and oppose gambling.”
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/10/94656-china-shuts-down-4-500-illegal-online-gambling-platforms-in-2024-crackdown
