China's Top Court Demands Action Vs. Offshore Gambling

Concerned about economic stability and social order, China ramps up its fight against organized gambling, targeting operations worldwide.

China is intensifying its legal campaign against organized gambling operations targeting its citizens abroad, urging all levels of courts to escalate their efforts. 

According to a China Daily report, The Supreme People's Court has issued directives emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and more severe penalties, particularly in cases involving associated criminal activities. China Daily is a state-owned media outlet. 

Courts are not only prosecuting those who organize gambling operations but are also targeting the financial infrastructure that sustains them. This robust legal response aims to disrupt these networks and deter future activity. 

Several cases disclosed by the court illustrate the scale of the problem and the methods employed by these organizations. These cases often involve operations based in overseas locations, including casinos and online platforms, that actively solicit clients from mainland China. 

Some of these casinos were initially hosted in the Cambodia and the Philippines. The Philippines recently outlawed these operations, and is currently trying to crack down against 11,000 more remaining.   

The court has highlighted instances where these operations have generated substantial profits, leading to significant capital outflow from the country.

This intensified effort reflects Beijing's determination to combat gambling operations targeting Chinese citizens, regardless of location. The focus on legal action and criminal prosecution underscores the government's concern about the impact of these activities on economic stability and social order.

The crackdown raises complex questions regarding international cooperation and jurisdictional challenges in pursuing criminal activity occurring outside China's borders. However, the government's message is clear: it is committed to pursuing these operations wherever they may be.

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