Accused gambling ringleader withdraws bail application
Tao has pleaded not guilty to all charges connected to the matter.
Eswatini.- Lyu Tao, a Chinese national accused of leading a large-scale illegal online gambling operation in Eswatini, has withdrawn his High Court bail application ahead of the start of his criminal trial.
Tao, who is among 85 foreign nationals facing prosecution in connection with an online gambling and money laundering network, informed High Court Judge Zonke Magagula through his lawyer, Ben Simelane, that he would no longer pursue the application. Simelane said the trial was expected to begin within two weeks, making the bail hearing unnecessary for now.
The withdrawal was granted with the consent of both the prosecution and the defence. Simelane said the application could be reinstated if the trial does not go ahead as scheduled.
The case stems from investigations into an alleged illegal online gambling operation that was uncovered in Mbabane earlier this year following police raids on the Castle Hotel and other associated sites. During the raids, cash and electronic equipment believed to be involved in gambling activity and possible financial crime were seized.
According to court documents, Tao and his co-accused are charged under the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act, the Gaming Control Act and the Immigration Act. Prosecutors allege that Tao engaged in unauthorised gambling activities between February and March, remained in Eswatini without a valid permit and carried out business without the necessary authorisation.
He is also accused of unlawfully acquiring or possessing E200,000 (€10,300) on February 5 and a further E508,000 (€26,200) on February 16, which the state says were proceeds of money laundering. Tao has pleaded not guilty to all charges and previously told the court he had travelled to Eswatini to set up an electric vehicle business rather than to run illegal gambling operations.
