Police in Taiwan have seized more than US$300 million (S$388 million) linked to an illegal online World Cup betting operation after dismantling a major gambling syndicate, authorities announced on Thursday, July 2.
According to the Tainan City Police Department’s Fourth Precinct, officers raided a five-storey house in the southern city of Tainan on July 1, arresting eight suspects and seizing computers, mobile phones, cash and betting records.
Police said five of those arrested had travelled from Hong Kong and Macau on tourist visas to operate the illegal betting network during the World Cup.
Investigators alleged that the syndicate handled nearly NT$10 billion (S$405 million) in wagers on World Cup matches.
Authorities said the group had rented the property for the duration of the tournament to run the betting operation.
Although Taiwan did not qualify for the World Cup, football remains highly popular on the island, attracting significant betting activity during the competition.
