Macao Gambling Kingpin’s Conviction Exposes Cross-border Crime Ring in China

Alvin Chau Cheok Wa’s Conviction and the Criminal Group

• Notorious gambling kingpin, Alvin Chau Cheok Wa, sentenced to 18 years in prison for fraud, illegal gambling, and criminal association.
• His conviction revealed an extensive cross-border crime ring operative in the Chinese mainland.

The Criminal Group’s Operations

• Targeted Chinese citizens through the recruitment of 283 agents.
• Organized offline gambling in Macao’s Suncity Group casinos and online gambling platforms in the Philippines and other countries.
• Total bets placed by mainland Chinese gamblers exceeded 300 billion yuan ($42 billion) by 2019.

Wenzhou Trials and crucial evidence

• Three cases related to the core members of the cross-border gambling criminal group tried in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province.
• Trial proceedings provided crucial evidence for Alvin Chau Cheok Wa’s arrest and subsequent trial in Macao.

Criminal Group’s Services and Illegally obtained profits

• Established branch companies in mainland China offering services such as asset exchange and debt handling.
• Used illegal channels like underground banks for gambling funds reception and settlement.
• Illegally obtained profits exceeded 17 million yuan, significantly disrupting the financial market order in China.

Chinese Authorities and Punishments

• Chau and associates were identified and apprehended for operating illegal gambling businesses or money laundering in November 2021.
• Sentence of 18 years for Chau and penalties for several co-defendants in January 2023, also ordered to pay 6.52 billion Hong Kong dollars ($833.3 million) in civil compensation.

Impact of the Case

• Comprehensively exposed harmful behaviors of the cross-border gambling criminal group.
• Effectively tackled entire chain of activities, setting a precedent for China’s lawful crackdown on such crimes.