Taiwanese police have dismantled an illegal online gambling network that allegedly handled almost NT$10 billion ($313 million) in bets on the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The operation was uncovered after officers raided a five-storey property in Tainan on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of eight suspects, according to a statement from the Fourth Precinct of the Tainan City Police Department.
During the raid, investigators recovered computers, mobile phones, account records and cash believed to be linked to the betting operation.
Authorities said five of those arrested had entered Taiwan from Hong Kong and Macao on tourist visas and were allegedly involved in running the World Cup gambling business.
Police believe the group rented the building specifically for the duration of the tournament, using it as the base for the illicit betting activities.
Although Taiwan is not competing at the World Cup, football enjoys a strong following on the island, with many fans closely tracking the tournament.
AFP
