The now-defunct Macao-based junket operator, Suncity Group, made 300 billion yuan (US$42 billion) from mainland Chinese players through its online gaming websites during 2015 to 2019, says Inside Asia Gaming (IAG).
The gaming specialist publication cited a television report aired on Monday by state-run China Central Television (CCTV), which stated that the former head of Suncity, Alvin Chau, had amassed a fortune to the tune of 8.7 billion yuan (US$1.22 billion) through such online activities.
According to the CCTV report, Chau began establishing multiple online gambling platforms in places such as the Philippines in 2015.
“In order to make huge profits, he introduced other people to act as agents…and through these agents he recruited Chinese nationals in the mainland to go to Suncity’s VIP rooms to participate in gambling and internet gambling,” CCTV was quoted as saying.
[See more: Convicted Suncity boss purportedly pens an open letter to Xi Jinping]
IAG noted that there were 283 agents working under Chau, and they were required to reach a rolling chip turnover volume of HK$50 million (US$6.4 million) per month.
The original CCTV report stated that Chau collaborated with associates such as Zhang Ningning and Zhang Shixiu to form a cross-border gambling syndicate that was involved in the collection of gambling debts and other illegal activities within Chinese borders.
The news broadcaster said that the group used underground banking and other unlawful means to escape detection.
Chau is currently sentenced to 18 years behind bars after a Macao court found him guilty of fraud, illegal gambling activities and association with a criminal organisation. Other former members of Suncity have also been jailed.
