Member of cross-border gambling ring arrested in $400 million case

(ECNS) -- Chinese and Philippine authorities have arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, surnamed Chen, accused of organizing cross-border online gambling that defrauded players of more than 2.92 billion yuan ($405 million).

The group allegedly ran platforms in the Philippines targeting Chinese citizens through websites, social media and agents. Investigators said it manipulated backend data and imposed restrictive withdrawal rules to prolong play and increase losses.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said the case severely harmed public safety, economic security and national image. It urged citizens to steer clear of gambling and warned against breaking the law.

(By Gong Weiwei)