The Macau Judiciary Police have arrested five Chinese nationals suspected to be related to a cross-border criminal syndicate. The criminal organization, according to the authorities, uses counterfeit chips in casinos in Macau.

The arrests followed a recent report from a casino in the Cotai area where a customer exchanged fake chips for money. After the staff realized that they had been scammed they referred the matter to the police.

Local authorities immediately launched an investigation into the matter and quickly arrested five men from mainland China at the casino. Aged between 21 and 28, the five arrestees were suspected of being a part of a criminal organization that imports fake chips into Macau. The police are currently on the lookout for three other suspects who might be related to the case.

In addition to arresting the five men, the police were able to seize a whopping 585 fake chips worth approximately $750,000. More than 130 of those were discovered in toilets and taxi compartments near the border and might have been abandoned by other participants in the criminal scheme.

Upon careful inspection, the police concluded that the fake chips were extremely realistic and difficult to differentiate from real ones at first glance.

The Macau authorities believe that they are dealing with a fairly new criminal organization. According to the police, the group is believed to have started its illegal scheme in March.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Macau Seeks to Crack Down on Gambling Crime

Speaking of gambling crime in Macau, the country recently proposed a law that would exempt minor gambling offenders from prosecution, or at least reduce their penalties, if they provide evidence against others.

In addition to exempting whistleblowers from penalties, the new law would allow the police to search the property of potential witnesses or suspects during the night.

Additionally, Macau lawmakers proposed an amendment to the region’s Criminal Procedure Code that would allow it to implement an extension of detention measure. This matter was raised after Alvin Chau, the chairman of the controversial Suncity junket, argued that the detention period of certain individuals in the Suncity case had already expired.

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Two 2023 police raids at Mt Lawley and Cloverdale gambling dens helped authorities seize almost $190,000 in cash, along with gambling cards and chips usually found at Monte Carlo casinos.

The two underground locations used for illegal gambling were allegedly run by a number of Crown Casino workers. 

The casino chips and blocks of cash will be destroyed as police efforts continue toward targeting more underground venues. 

$130,000 Seized from Mount Lawley

Last April, police raided a Mount Lawley business where it seized close to $130,000 from an alleged illegal game, along with tens of thousands of dollars worth of casino chips, a baccarat table cover, and gaming cards.

An ex-Crown Perth employee is believed to have allegedly recruited three additional dealers from the same casino and instructed them to run games that would allegedly target members of organized crime or problem gamblers.

All three dealers had their licenses canceled.

$60,000 Seized from Cloverdale Home Raid

At the end of 2023, during a raid on a Cloverdale home, police allegedly discovered 16 players who had been previously banned from the casino plus $60,000. 

The respective home was suspected of allegedly operating a game without a permit or license. 

A 35-year-old man pleaded guilty to money and property laundering.

While gambling activities in charities and clubs are permitted in Western Australia via a permit, police allege the respective operations did not have one.

“Eventually They’ll Pop Back Up”

According to Gaming and Regulation executive director Jennifer Shelton in an interview for 9News, these Australian criminal organizations that are targeting vulnerable individuals “who are then using it for other criminal gains” are currently laying low. 

However, Shelton is confident that “eventually they’ll pop back up either in the same location or same premises.” 

The director added that organizers were interested in targeting Crown Casino employees and recruiting both problem gamblers who are patrons at the facility, as well as dealers.

The vulnerable players are either self-excluded players or individuals who are no strangers to the world of organized crime or who have accumulated “unexplained wealth.”

At the start of the year, Crown Resorts revealed that illegal online gambling websites had been using their intellectual property to deceive consumers.

Police and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia issued a statement regarding the events, saying the tighter supervision, casino monitoring, and organized crime prevention in casinos will get, the more likely we are to see people “try and get around it.”

Gambling is considered a serious public health risk in the context of hundreds of millions being lost to the activity each month. 

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Last week, the Irish police, also known as Gardaí, confirmed it renewed its appeal for information related to the mysterious and unexpected disappearance of a 41-year-old poker player dating back to 2019. The recent request reignited the efforts in resolving the missing person’s case that involved Jon Jonsson, a poker player from Iceland who disappeared on February 9, 2019. The poker player was last seen around 11 AM on that day in Whitehall.

The latest request for the Gardaí comes after anonymous correspondence was received regarding the case. The Irish police urged the authors of the correspondence to disclose more details. “The Garda investigation team are appealing to the author(s) of those correspondences to make direct contact with them,” reads a statement released by garda disclosed by the Irish Independent. The police authorities added: “Any contact will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.”

In February 2019, Jonsson, who was 41 at the time, checked into the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin. The Icelandic poker player arrived on February 9, ahead of a poker tournament he was expecting to participate in. Jonsson had planned a 10-day vacation for himself and his fiancée. Yet, on the same day he arrived at Bonnington Hotel, he walked out and was never seen again.

According to a report released by The Irish Mirror, Gardaí are now considering that the 41-year-old poker player may have been killed somewhere in Dublin Park. Citing sources, the publication suggests that Jonsson may have been murdered after losing a significant amount of money while playing poker in Dublin. Reportedly, the poker player arranged a meeting in the park that turned into a violent encounter and ultimately resulted in his death. Still, it’s important to mention that garda is yet to officially confirm if this version is correct.

Gardaí Searches Areas in Santry Park

After receiving the anonymous communication last week, this week, the Irish police initiated a search in a section of Santry Park. The aforementioned area was secured by law enforcement while K9 and underwater units investigating the surroundings were dispatched.

The location where garda is currently searching is approximately 2 miles from the Bonnington Hotel where Jonsson was last seen alive on February 9, 2019. The result of the latest search is yet to be confirmed.

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A coordinated operation by law enforcement forces across Italy executed a court order for confiscating assets worth approximately €400 million ($433 million) belonging to an iGaming operator registered in Malta. This action follows Italy’s intensifying efforts to counter organized crime infiltration in the online gaming and betting sectors, curbing corruption and money laundering operations.

The Organization’s Reach Extended Across Europe

An international investigation revealed the offending operator’s ties to a sophisticated criminal system engaged in running black market online gambling operations. The organization’s headquarters was in Italy’s Reggio Calabria region, but it projected its influence abroad through companies with offices in Malta, Romania, Austria, and Spain. Such illegal operators can be very damaging, offering virtually zero customer protection or responsible gambling safeguards.

The operator used a so-called “cascade” system, enabled through contacts with criminal organizations. These elements provided protection and helped popularize the brand online, while local businesses facilitated the illicit collection of proceeds, with a share going to the criminal entities. This arrangement was used to launder significant sums and would have continued expanding.

The group avoided detection by transferring most proceeds from illegal activities abroad, evading Italian tax authorities. The unnamed kingpin at the center of the investigation held a prominent position in the Malta-based company. However, the operator primarily targeted the Italian market via multiple outlets dedicated to betting and games of chance, obscuring its involvement.

Gambling Companies Remain Susceptible to Criminal Influence

Authorities learned of this organization after an investigation into links between businesses and organized crime revealed that the crime boss at the center of the operation held assets that did not align with his declared income. This discrepancy allowed the court to issue a seizure warrant on the suspect’s assets, followed by a second order to seize all assets linked to three connected iGaming companies.

The estimated total value of the seized assets is roughly €400 million. The court also decreed special surveillance of the suspect for two and a half years, ordering him not to leave his municipality. This development highlights a milestone success for Italy’s financial police and Public Prosecutor’s office as the offending operators will no longer threaten the safety of Europeans.

The online gaming and betting sector, often susceptible to criminal infiltration and money laundering, continues to face scrutiny as law enforcement works diligently to curb corruption. Italian authorities have substantial experience uncovering gambling-related crime, but the extensive reach of such illegal networks makes lasting progress difficult. Hopefully, the investigation will provide sufficient evidence to target other such enterprises before they can do much harm.

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During a crackdown aimed at 252 illegal establishments and entertainment venues spread citywide across three days, Hong Kong authorities have completed 347 total arrests connected to triad-controlled sex, drug, and gambling businesses. 

Uncovered Illegal Businesses, Closed Down

The hundreds of drug dens, gambling venues, and pubs that did not carry any licenses to function were visited by the police Friday through Sunday in collaboration with fire and immigration services as part of a complex, multi-department action aimed at discovering illegal businesses. 

Among the visited entertainment venues, the police mentioned game centers, mahjong parlors, pubs, nightclubs, and saunas. 

A police spokesman explained the illegal businesses that did not comply with the law were “closed down.” Besides the 252 locals who were placed under arrest, the authorities also retained 13 mainlanders and three people who were illegally staying in the city.

Similarly, in  February 2023, the Hong Kong Police Force announced it arrested 234 individuals, including dozens of suspected triad members during operation Levington.

Fighting Off Triad Activities, a Top Priority

According to a recent police statement, all 347 suspects were detained on suspicion of various offenses. The list featured trafficking in a dangerous drug, claims to be members of a triad society, managing gambling establishments, criminal damages, managing drug dens, wounding, or accusations related to laundering crime proceeds.

The police spokesperson further emphasized that “Combating triad activities is one of the top priorities of the commissioner of police.”

The spokesperson added that the authorities will keep enhancing intelligence gatherings and taking “timely and targeted law enforcement actions” against violent crimes, organized crime activities, and their income sources.

Last October, two high-profile incidents related to gangsters in the New Territories convinced the authorities to perform two similar triad crackdown operations across the city.

During one of the four-day anti-triad operations, police officers raided entertainment venues run by the triad, while deciding to shut down a series of brothels and gambling dens.

Between October 26 and 29, police made 46 arrests, including the “Bei Wing,” the alleged leader of the Sun Yee On faction in Tuen Mun.

Last December, law enforcement in Hong Kong made over 100 arrests while shutting down gambling dens, and seizing cash, bank cards, and criminal proceeds.  

In the first 10 months of 2023, police authorities tackled no less than 1,620 different reports of crimes tied to triads, marking a 2.2% rise from the 1,585 cases that were recorded in the same period of 2022.

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Las Vegas, a perennial target for potential threats, is ensuring robust security measures as it prepares for the upcoming Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on 11 February. Past high-profile events like the New Year’s Eve and the Formula 1 Grand Prix have provided invaluable experience, allowing for better-organized security preparations. Police plans to extend its coverage beyond the stadium to locations hosting parties and Super Bowl experiences.

The Super Bowl’s Scale Presents Unique Challenges

The Department of Homeland Security has designated the Super Bowl as a SEAR 1 event, signifying the highest level of security. Metro aims for successful law enforcement through communication and collaboration involving public safety groups. Despite the challenges, Clark County Sheriff McMahill stressed the importance of keeping officers motivated and focused to ensure the community’s safety.

In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, McMahill highlighted the department’s approach to high-profile events, drawing parallels with past gatherings. McMahill noted the additional challenges posed by numerous events surrounding the game. Many resorts on the Strip plan on attracting fans with activities like pool parties, adding to the NFL-approved events.

“We are prepared for the Super Bowl like we were prepared for any other major event.”

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill

Sheriff McMahill acknowledged the challenges faced by his officers, noting that on any given weekend, around 1,200 officers work overtime to cover high-profile events in the tourist corridor. Metro has accumulated substantial experience responding to emerging issues, leveraging its resources to achieve maximum effect. The upcoming Super Bowl should be a suitable test of the Metro’s expertise.

Preparations Are Well Underway

Security measures have evolved significantly since the tragic mass shooting on 1 October 2017 during a country music festival on the Strip. The incident remains a cautionary tale when planning security for high-profile events, as it offers painful lessons on managing such large crowds. New technologies and increased awareness should hopefully lead to a trouble-free experience for Las Vegas visitors.

To ensure the success of security measures, Metro Lt. Kendall Bell, co-chair of the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee’s public safety and security subcommittee, highlighted the importance of information-sharing and joint efforts. The committee has been actively assisting the authorities, attending the past two Super Bowls in California and Arizona to familiarize themselves with the event.

As Las Vegas prepares for the Super Bowl, the city remains vigilant against potential threats, drawing on past experiences to implement robust security measures for the upcoming major event. Although the Metro cannot eliminate every possible danger, it is hard at work to ensure the high-profile game will happen seamlessly and without significant issues. 

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Police officers in Corpus Christi, Texas, have raided an illegal gambling venue, seizing a variety of items and making multiple arrests.

According to a report by KRIS, a local TV station, the property, which was officially a video arcade, doubled as an illegal casino. A raid was greenlit and carried out by officers on Thursday, leading to a crackdown on the operation.

The raid, KRIS pointed out, followed a month-long investigation.

In total, the police seized multiple gambling devices, over $85,000 in cash, a vehicle and some marijuana. In addition, the police arrested three people believed to have run the operation.

These include Brandon Roe, 23, Mallory Villarreal, 30, and Jillian Dunnahoo, 22, who were accused of promoting gambling, keeping a gambling place, possessing gambling devices, engaging in organized crime and laundering money.

KRIS pointed out that both money laundering and engagement in organized crime are state felonies and are punishable by up to two years in jail. The three people also risk a maximum fine of $10,000 each. The remaining charges, KRIS added, are Class A misdemeanors.

The TV station also pointed out that five adults in the game room were cited for gambling, which is a Class C misdemeanor in the state.

The Corpus Christi Police Department asked citizens to be vigilant, reminding them that game rooms that offer games with cash rewards are illegal. The CCPD added that patrons of such establishments also risk criminal charges.

Not the First Illegal Gambling Venue

This game room was not the first instance of an illegal gambling operation in the state. Back in March 2023, Nathan Nichols, a 46-year-old Corpus Christi resident, admitted to running an illegal gambling business. Nichols was also previously involved in the theft of US Army property in a separate case.

For reference, Nichols owned and operated Lady Luck and Theo’s Bar. Both of these businesses offered illegal gambling entertainment to their patrons, earlier reports say. The operations ran from March 2018 to August 2019.

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Don Leon, a Greek trap star, has been arrested for alleged involvement in ATM robberies. According to the Greek City Times, the musician had laundered the money through casinos in the country.

Don Leon, 28, had two accomplices aged 27 and 26. The three men used explosives and metal-cutting tools to rob ATMs across the country, stealing a total of $770,000. The trapper and his accomplices gambled some of the money to launder it and also laundered large sums through the Greek music industry.

The local police pointed out that the robbers were also involved in vehicle stealing operations and used the stolen vehicles to conduct their operations throughout the country. However, the culprits’ criminal adventure eventually came to an end when the police apprehended them in Kifisia.

The police caught up to the three men just after another ATM robbery, this time in Ermioni. The Greek City Times report noted that they had stolen roughly $215,000 from that ATM.

The police raid saw law enforcers seize a large number of weapons and explosives. This included 1.5kg of explosives, a pyrotechnic rope, an M16 assault rifle and a number of pistols. The police also seized a metal cutting wheel and other tools that facilitated the burglary. In addition to the seized items, the police took roughly $222,000 in cash.

The police learned that the weapons broke Greece’s weapons laws. Some of the firearms were found in the residence of a relative of one of the suspects, leading to an additional arrest.

This Isn’t the First Time Don Leon Has Had Trouble with the Police

This is not the first time Don Leon has been arrested for involvement in gang activity. Back in 2021, the trapper was arrested for similar crimes. He was released in January 2023, insisting that he was not guilty of the crimes, the Greek City Time says.

The police will now continue to investigate Don Leon and his accomplices’ activities as it is believed that the full extent of their operation is yet to be seen. Greek authorities believe that further investigation is needed to uncover the “intricate connection” between organized crime, financial malfeasance and the entertainment industry.

The Greek City Times said that the current case may raise questions about the effectiveness of the law, considering that Don Leon liked to publicly display his wealth.

In the meantime, the police also consider the possibility of the trapper being a part of a broader criminal network.

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Despite the efforts of law enforcement, illegal gambling activities are common across China. Last month alone, law enforcement in Hong Kong busted multiple brothels and gambling dens in operations that resulted in the arrest of more than 300 people allegedly involved in those activities. The combined efforts of Hong Kong police authorities against triad operations in November saw more than 2,000 officers participate.

Now, the crackdown against illegal gambling and associated crimes continues. As announced by the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong police operations between November 2 and December 2 resulted in the arrest of 130 people, suspected of participating in money laundering and illegal gambling. The report cited police data released Sunday, estimating that the people involved in the illicit activity were able to launder some HK$15 million ($1.92 million).

Between Friday and Sunday, law enforcement arrested five men and three women believed to be involved in a money laundering operation. Among the detainees were transport workers, bar owners, businessmen and beauty salon managers. Out of the eight people arrested, four were believed to be triad gang members. One of the detained individuals was believed to be the ringleader of the money laundering operation.

Citing an investigation, the Hong Kong police said that the alleged leader of the money laundering syndicate used bank accounts belonging to different businesses to transfer large sums of money. The individual is believed to be involved in different companies, but investigators found no legal businesses belonging to the suspect.

Allegedly, the leader of the money laundering operation was able to conduct more than 600 money transactions. The illicit activity has reportedly been ongoing for 10 years, starting from 2013, according to a senior inspector from the New Territories North anti-triad unit.

Law Enforcement Shuts Down Illegal Gas Station, Gambling Dens

Police detained more than 120 more people, allegedly tied to five illegal gambling dens as well as an illegal gas station. One of the illegal venues offered baccarat, while two offered gambling machines with fishing games. Two other illegal venues offered mahjong games.

Raids were conducted in Sheung Shui and Ta Kwu Ling, during which law enforcement detained 122 individuals. The detainees were between the ages of 20 and 75, consisting of 66 women and 64 men. During the raids, police seized various items, including bank cards, cash and documents. Proceeds that were allegedly accumulated from the illegal activities estimated at HK$2.5 million ($320,000) were also seized. While some of the alleged culprits were released on bail, others already face charges. The Hong Kong police did not rule out additional arrests.

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A Spanish police officer has been sentenced for embezzling money to gamble. The man will now serve a five-month suspended prison sentence and a 10-month disqualification period.

The incident happened in 2020 when the man and his team cracked down on an illegal drug operation. At the scene, the officer and his colleagues seized bags of marijuana and almost $10,000 in cash.

Instead of safeguarding the cash found at the scene, the officer decided to appropriate it when his colleagues were not looking. Eight hours later, the man proceeded to treat himself at a local casino with the money he embezzled. To make matters worse, the police officer hit a streak of losses, eventually returning home with none of the cash he had hoped to earn. 

The police later asked the man to return the seized items. After he handed only the drugs, his suspicious colleagues reported the incident, leading to an investigation into the matter. In the end, the police officer’s crime came to light.

The man was able to return the money, which, luckily for him, was a major mitigating factor, leading to a much lighter sentence. As a result, he was only handed a suspended sentence. However, the prosecution can still try to appeal the decision.

More Recent Criminal Activities in the Gambling Sector

In other news, Binance Holdings, the world’s largest crypto exchange, admitted to violating anti-money laundering regulations in the United States. The company intentionally focused on profits, neglecting its AML responsibilities. As a result of its guilty plea, Binance will have to pay $4 billion to resolve the investigation.

Changpeng Zhao, the company’s founder and chief executive officer, resigned from his position as a result of the case. 

Elsewhere, a fatal shooting occurred at Osage Casino & Hotel in the United States where an alleged car and credit card thief tried to escape from the police. According to reports from local news outlets, the man was fatally shot by a bystander while he was trying to escape with a car and dragging a police officer who had been trying to stop him across the pavement.

The identities of the deceased person and the shooter are yet to be revealed as of the time of this writing.

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