for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Eswatini police have confirmed they will work with Brazilian authorities as part of a widening probe into an alleged online gambling network that has already led to the arrest of about 150 foreign nationals.
Investigators from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) are expected to meet their Brazilian counterparts in South Africa to trace the network’s international links and identify whether more suspects are involved.
National commissioner of police Vusi Masango said officers believe the operation stretches across several jurisdictions, making cooperation essential.
The case began in March when police raided the Castle Hotel in Mbabane. Subsequent operations expanded to Madlenya House, Forbes Reef, Hawane, and Woodlands, where authorities detained suspects from Brazil, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, and other countries.
Authorities also seized 313 electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones, desktop computers, CPUs, and Wi‑Fi routers. Investigators allege the equipment was used to run online gambling platforms and possibly other criminal activities.
Money laundering and cyber crime charges also on the cards
The Eswatini investigation has widened far beyond gambling offenses. Police say those arrested could also face charges tied to money laundering, computer fraud, extortion, and immigration violations. Investigators are now looking into whether the group had links to “pig butchering” scams, a type of online investment fraud where victims are tricked into sending money through fake digital platforms.
Authorities revealed that some of the suspects were already known to international law enforcement before the raids. They are now examining how these individuals entered Eswatini and whether the country was deliberately chosen as a base of operations.
Police believe the group may have studied Eswatini’s legal and regulatory environment before setting up their network, suggesting the choice of location was not accidental. For now, the accused remain in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for June 12.
Source: Focus Gaming News
