Legislation

China – China offers up April amnesty for individuals involved in illegal gambling

By Phil - 8 February 2021

China’s Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate have partnered to make an announcement regarding ‘Notice on the surrender of cross-border gambling-related criminal suspects’ that will allow individuals involved in illegal gambling operations to come forward and avoid serious punishment by the end of April.

The Ministry, has promised that individuals that could face charges of organising illegal gambling overseas will receive a lighter punishment, and in some cases no punishment at all if they confess their crimes.

Chinese police reported more than 3,500 cases and apprehended about 75,000 suspects amid a sweeping crackdown on cross-border gambling in 2020, according to the Ministry of Public Security. Police nationwide busted over 2,260 gambling platforms, as well as around 1,960 illegal payment platforms and underground banks during operations last year, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

During the campaign, more than 600 Chinese suspects were brought back to China from abroad by Chinese police in collaboration with their counterparts in countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Individuals involved can confess in person or by letter, email or phone. and could be avoid punishment for their ‘significant meritorious service.’

Liao Jinrong, Director General of the Ministry of Public Security’s international cooperation department, said this would allow people the chance to ‘step away from the precipice’ of this criminal activity, and avoid intimidation from those also involved in illegal operations.