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Taiwan criminal investigators said they broke up a cross-border money laundering case tied to illegal online gambling. Authorities estimate the syndicate moved about TWD33 billion, or about US$1.03 billion, through Macau casino transactions.
The case started in the second half of 2025, when Taiwan Criminal Investigation Bureau traced suspicious fund flows from multiple bank accounts linked to online gambling and fraud. According to the bureau, money moved into accounts held by specific individuals and then went toward credit card bill payments.
Investigators said the group recruited third-party agents in Taiwan and used them as card-swiping operators. Excess payments were allegedly deposited into those accounts, which in turn raised available credit limits. From there, agents allegedly used the cards to buy large amounts of gaming chips at Macau casinos, cash out the chips, and convert the funds into Hong Kong dollars.
Authorities said the structure also allowed participants to benefit from overseas credit card spending incentives. In effect, the network is accused of using casino chip purchases as a way to move and clean gambling proceeds across borders.
Officials said the suspected amount laundered overseas reached about TWD33 billion. Local media reports, citing a police briefing on Monday, said the case involved 85 credit cards and resulted in the arrest of 20 people, including two suspected ringleaders.
The bureau did not say how long the alleged scheme had been operating. Even so, investigators called it the first case of its kind uncovered by Taiwan law enforcement.
Assets seized in the operation included about TWD230.95 million in bank accounts, about TWD2.62 million in cash, plus money-counting machines, mobile phones, and credit cards.