Chinese Internet celebrity Guo Meimei arrested for running casino

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Chinese Internet celebrity Guo Meimei arrested for running casino

Source: Xinhua Published: 2014-8-20 21:41:04

Chinese Internet celebrity Guo Meimei was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly running casino, authorities confirmed.

Police found Guo, 23, was addicted to gambling and travelled frequently to Macao, Hong Kong and even foreign countries to bet. She met another gambler, surnamed Kang, at the end of 2012 and they soon became lovers.

In February, 2013, the pair rented an apartment in east Beijing's Chaoyang District, before purchasing gambling tables, chips and a POS machine.

Guo also hired professional players to deal and cash up. For each game, the bets of which usually above one million yuan (about 160,000 US dollars), Guo raked in three to five percent as kickback.

Police detained her on July 14.

Chinese Criminal Law stipulates that those who run a casino are subject to detention or jail terms of less than three years. In case of serious offense, the culprit may face three to ten years of imprisonment.

Guo gained notoriety in China in 2011, when she claimed to be manager of an organization under the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) and openly flaunted her wealth and extravagant lifestyle on social media.

The scandal dealt a major hit to the reputation of the RCSC. The incident and ensuing scandals triggered public concern about embezzlement and improper management of charities.

 

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Guo Meimei charged for gambling scheme

Source: Global Times Published: 2014-8-21 0:33:02

Guo Meimei, the 23-year-old woman who dragged the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) into a credibility crisis three years ago, was officially charged Wednesday on suspicion of operating an illegal casino, a Beijing procuratorate announced.

The People's Procuratorate in Dongcheng district on Wednesday approved the arrest request submitted by the Dongcheng branch of the capital's public security bureau after a week of review. Investigation of the case is still undergoing.

Guo was detained by police on July 14 for allegedly participating in and organizing gambling activities during the World Cup. She is one of eight alleged members of the gang.

The group opened an account on an overseas gambling website where people could place bets through their phones or social networks.The crime of "opening casinos" refers to establishing venues (including websites), setting up rules and providing tools and funds to people for profit.

If convicted, Guo could be sentenced to a prison terms of up to three years, as well as fined. The punishment could be increased to between three and 10 years if the prosecutors decide her actions were "serious."