Liaoning's provincial Public Security Department launched a special operation named "平安护航" (Peace Escort) on 1 June 2023, using major case investigation as the main tool against cross-border gambling, the department said at a press conference on 26 December 20231.
The department reported that its officers had handled 2,899 cross-border gambling criminal cases, arrested 5,568 suspects and seized or frozen more than 300 million yuan in involved funds, year-on-year increases of 231 percent, 124 percent and 41 percent respectively1. It moved 3,102 people for prosecution, up 76 percent year on year1.
The department said the operation followed a "whole-chain, precise and sustained" approach, with police in Shenyang, Dalian, Benxi, Jinzhou and Tieling breaking up major cases1. In June 2023, Benxi police dismantled what the department described as a criminal group that had operated covertly inside China for years; it said the case was the province's first involving a large online cross-border gambling operation combined with pornography1.
"特别是6月1日省公安厅组织启动"平安护航"专项行动后"
At the same press conference, the department set out the penalties it applies. Providing internet access, server hosting, advertising, member recruitment, software development, technical support or payment settlement for a gambling website is treated as joint commission of the crime of opening a casino1.
| Reported figure | Total | Change year on year |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-border gambling criminal cases | 2,899 | +231% |
| Suspects arrested | 5,568 | +124% |
| Funds seized or frozen | 300 million yuan and above | +41% |
| People moved for prosecution | 3,102 | +76% |
What it means for players
The figures cover enforcement inside Liaoning, but the department described recruitment reaching 30 provinces and 230 counties and districts, so the reach of the cases is not limited to one province1. Under the penalties cited, ordinary participation is treated as an administrative offense carrying detention or a fine, while organizing, acting as an agent or providing technical and payment services for a gambling site is treated as a criminal offense1. The department also said that Chinese citizens who gamble abroad can face consequences, and that people who knowingly provide services to gambling websites can be prosecuted as joint offenders in a casino case1. For background on how China treats citizens who bet on cross-border sites, see What Happens to Chinese Citizens Who Gamble on Cross-Border Sites? and Can I Gamble in China?. Regional enforcement patterns are covered in Crackdowns on Offshore Online Gambling Hubs in Asia, and the legal position across the region in Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions.
What happens next
The department said it will keep up a high-pressure stance against cross-border gambling, continue comprehensive governance with other industry regulators, and protect economic security, social stability and the rights of the public1. It did not give a closing date for the "平安护航" operation1.
Sources1 sources
- 全省公安机关打击治理跨境赌博工作有关情况新闻发布会, ln.gov.cn
