Illegal election gambling ring busted ahead of Jan. 16 polls
2016/01/03 19:54:31
Cash and equipment seized during the raid. (Photo courtesy of the Taoyuan Prosecutors Office)
Taipei, Jan. 3 (CNA) An illegal gambling ring, which had accepted NT$1.4 billion (US$42.36 million) in bets on results of the upcoming presidential and legislative elections, has been busted, prosecutors in Taoyuan said Sunday.
Authorities raided 31 locations around Taiwan Saturday, arrested 45 people and seized NT$20.68 million in cash after receiving tip-offs about the gambling ring, according to the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office.
Prosecutors said the gambling ring was well-organized and was the largest that has been shut down ahead of the Jan. 16 elections, with betting records showed bets of NT$1.4 billion having been placed.
An investigation into the alleged illegal gambling and money laundering operations of the 45 people arrested has been set up, prosecutors added.
Running gambling operations is a criminal offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of three years under the Criminal Code.
The only legal forms of gambling are lottery tickets issued by licensed operators to fund charity and sports initiatives. A draft act on allowing casinos remains pending in the Legislature.
(By Bien Chen-feng and Kay Liu)
