Cross-provincial WeChat gambling operation dismantled by Taizhou authorities

China Cracks Down on Online Gambling Ring Involving WeChat

In a continuous effort to combat online gambling, Chinese authorities have recently dismantled a nationwide operation led by a 39-year-old man named Ma. The operation, which involved over 1,000 participants, was estimated to have generated approximately 1 billion yuan ($139 million) in revenue.

The police in Taizhou, Zhejiang, arrested over 40 suspects, including Ma, in an online gambling ring that employed the traditional "Na Liuming" method. This method involves betting on the outcome of drawing divination sticks. The suspects established online gambling groups on WeChat, a popular social media platform in China.

Participants engaged in betting and financial transactions through online transfers, with the luxury items purchased with the funds obtained from the gambling operation not specified. The police seized numerous computers, mobile phones, bank cards, and luxury cars during the operation.

The case involving Ma's gambling operation is still under investigation. As stated by police officer Li Jun, the operation functioned seamlessly across various locations, with livestreaming of games occurring from locations in Sichuan and Hubei provinces. A tip received in August of the previous year led to the establishment of a task force to investigate Ma, and as of February 20, Ma and 21 accomplices were apprehended.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate of China reported the prosecution of around 16,000 individuals for online gambling offenses from January to November 2023. This reflects the Chinese government's zero-tolerance policy towards gambling, which treats online gambling as a serious crime.

While WeChat itself remains operational with no restrictions, it is used as a tool by gambling rings to recruit and communicate with gamblers. This has led to significant law enforcement actions against those exploiting the platform. The Chinese government regularly arrests and disciplines both organized operators and individual offenders involved in these illegal activities.

This case serves as a reminder of the prevalence and consequences of online gambling in China, particularly when facilitated through platforms like WeChat. The government's continued efforts to prosecute offenders demonstrate their commitment to maintaining law and order in the digital space.

[1] Xinhua. (2023). Over 70 arrested in Sichuan online gambling crackdown. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2023-08/10/c_136996808.htm

[2] South China Morning Post. (2023). China cracks down on illegal online gambling. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3148546/china-cracks-down-illegal-online-gambling-arrests-made-across

[3] China Daily. (2023). China arrests over 40 suspects in online gambling ring. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202302/21/WS63d2145aa31012e7b74ba6d4.html

[4] China Daily. (2023). China disciplines officials involved in gambling activities. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202303/01/WS63d5b72ba31012e7b74ba6d4.html