Taiwan police dismantle massive World Cup gambling operation
Police in Taiwan have broken up an illegal online betting ring that handled more than US$300 million (S$388 million) in wagers on World Cup matches, authorities announced on Thursday, July 2. The operation was based in a rented five-storey house in the southern city of Tainan.
Eight arrested, five from Hong Kong and Macau
The Tainan City Police Department’s Fourth Precinct stated that officers raided the property on July 1, arresting eight individuals and seizing computers, mobile phones, ledgers, and cash. Five of the eight suspects had entered Taiwan from Hong Kong and Macau on tourist visas specifically to run the betting operation during the World Cup tournament.
Massive sums involved in illegal bets
According to police, the illegal outfit had taken in nearly NT$10 billion (approximately S$405 million) in bets on World Cup matches. Despite Taiwan not qualifying for the tournament, football enjoys a strong following on the sporting-mad island, fueling demand for betting opportunities.
The group had rented the five-storey house for the duration of the World Cup to carry out their operations. The police statement did not provide further details on the legal proceedings against the suspects.
