China court uses Alvin Chau’s case to combat cross-border gambling

Jade Denosta July 26, 2024

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China court uses Alvin Chau’s case to combat cross-border gambling

China’s Supreme People’s Court (SPC) has intensified its crackdown on cross-border gambling, citing the case of Alvin Chau (pictured above) and his Suncity Group as a prime example of the industry’s harmful impact. The court has emphasised that such operations result in massive capital outflows and pose significant threats to social stability.

SPC highlighted the escalating problem of offshore casinos and online gambling platforms targeting Chinese citizens. These operations have facilitated the transfer of billions of yuan out of the country, fuelling concerns about economic security.

The Suncity Group, once a dominant force in Macau’s gaming industry, was identified as a key player in this illicit network. The group operated VIP rooms in multiple Macau casinos and established online gambling platforms in the Philippines and other jurisdictions. With a vast network of agents and customers, Suncity was instrumental in funnelling billions of yuan out of China.

Alvin Chau, the group’s founder, was arrested in 2021 and subsequently sentenced to 18 years in prison for illegal gambling and organised crime. The court ordered him to pay MOP$25 billion (US$3.2 billion) in compensation.

New measures to combat crime

To combat this growing threat, the Chinese courts have handed down severe penalties to gambling organisers, ringleaders, and repeat offenders. Recent cases include a life imprisonment sentence for a mafia-style gang leader involved in cross-border gambling and human trafficking, as well as a seven-year prison term for the head of a gambling ring that amassed billions of yuan in illicit profits.

The SPC has stressed the importance of disrupting the financial networks used by these criminal organisations. By targeting these groups’ leaders and key members, authorities aim to dismantle their operations and deter others from engaging in similar activities.

As China continues to tighten its financial security and maintain social order, the crackdown on cross-border gambling is expected to remain a top priority for law enforcement and the judiciary.