Gambling kingpin jailed for 18 years for running criminal operation in China

A casino tycoon in China has been jailed for 18 years after his illegal gambling operations led to the loss of millions in tax money.

Alvin Chau, 48, was arrested in November 2021 for running a cross-border gambling enterprise between the region of Macau and other areas.

This is against the law in China because Macau is the only place where casinos are legally permitted.

Chau is the founder of Suncity Group, one of Macau’s biggest organisers of extravagant casino trips for government officials and wealthy moguls.

The company organised transport and extended credit for clients.

Prosecutors said the illegal side of his enterprise caused a loss of around $1 billion (£817 million) in tax owed to Macau’s local government between 2013 and 2021.

Chau was also accused of making illegitimate profits through side-betting activities.

In total, he faced nearly 290 charges – one of the gambling industry’s biggest criminal cases in years.

Chau’s defence lawyer stressed his client had not personally participated in side-betting activities.

But the judge still concluded the operation would not have been possible without his approval. Chau was acquitted of money laundering.

He and some co-defendants were ordered to pay the government $830 million (£678 million) and financially compensate various casino operators.

Chau was such a big player in Macau’s gambling industry that the sector has slumped since his arrest and Suncity had to close its VIP rooms.

Macau is currently trying to prepare for the return of casino visitors after China finally eased its coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks.

Last year, the region made just half of what it usually does in gambling revenue.

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