Authorities in Taiwan have brought charges against 10 individuals accused of orchestrating a large-scale money laundering operation that allegedly moved more than NT$33 billion (over $1 billion) through casinos in Macau. The case, described by investigators as a major cross-border operation, centers on the use of intermediaries and credit-based transactions to disguise illicit gambling proceeds.

The indictments follow an investigation led by the Yunlin District Prosecutors’ Office, which began in November after Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau received intelligence about a group recruiting individuals to act as financial intermediaries, commonly referred to as money mules.

Scheme Relied on Credit Card Transactions and Casino Chips

Investigators determined that the network operated an online gambling system and developed a method to channel funds through prepaid credit card accounts. The scheme was allegedly led by two main suspects, a 37-year-old man surnamed Chen and a 36-year-old man surnamed Lin, who remain at large. Authorities have issued 20-year arrest warrants for both individuals.

According to prosecutors, Chen and Lin worked alongside two associates, identified by the surnames Liao and Chou, to structure the operation. As reported by Focus Taiwan, the group directed recruited individuals to deposit funds into credit card accounts as prepayments, increasing available credit limits.

Those involved then traveled to Macau, where they used the cards at casino venues to purchase chips. Investigators said the participants engaged in minimal or no gambling activity. Instead, they converted the chips back into legal currency, including Hong Kong dollars, or transferred them to other individuals connected to the network.

The process allowed illicit funds to be integrated into legitimate financial channels. Participants received commissions ranging between 3 percent and 4.5 percent for their role in facilitating the transactions, while also benefiting from increased credit limits on their accounts.

Authorities reported that more than NT$278 million was directly processed through accounts controlled by the intermediaries. However, the total volume of funds circulating through the broader network reached approximately NT$33 billion.

Raids Across Multiple Cities and Ongoing Manhunt

Law enforcement agencies carried out coordinated operations in Taipei, Taichung, and New Taipei City as part of the investigation. Nearly two dozen individuals were taken into custody during these actions.

Despite the arrests, the two alleged organizers remain unaccounted for. Prosecutors confirmed that both suspects are still being sought and are subject to long-term arrest warrants.

The case has been classified as a significant example of cross-border financial crime linked to gambling activity. Investigators noted that Macau casinos were used due to their access to large cash reserves and comparatively flexible oversight of customer transactions, which enabled the conversion process to take place.

Authorities indicated that the operation was connected to an online gambling network targeting multiple markets in Asia. Reports linked the syndicate to an entity known as Jinzhou Entertainment City, which operates platforms aimed at users in Taiwan, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Previous legal actions have also been associated with individuals connected to the group. In an earlier case, authorities identified Lin as a former high-ranking police officer who allegedly used his position to facilitate similar activities between 2021 and 2024.

The current indictments include charges under Taiwan’s Money Laundering Control Act and related legislation. Prosecutors stated that Chen, Lin, Liao, and seven additional individuals have been formally charged following the conclusion of the investigation.

In a statement addressing the broader issue, the Criminal Investigation Bureau said, “The police will continue to crack down on money laundering channels, improve their technological investigative capabilities and cooperate with international judicial authorities to fully protect the public’s property and maintain a safe and secure environment.”