Eswatini illegal gambling probe sees recovered funds rise to more than E900,000
While authorities have not yet disclosed the full financial trail, the revised figure suggests the operation handled substantial cash volumes.
Eswatini.- Eswatini authorities have confirmed that more than E902,639.80 (€45,100) has been recovered in an ongoing illegal online gambling investigation involving more than 200 foreign nationals.
The updated figure marks a sharp increase from an earlier estimate of E540,000 (€27,600), suggesting higher levels of cash flow linked to the suspected gambling network. The funds were seized during coordinated arrests at two main sites, Woodlands and the Madlenya building, where authorities say an illegal operation was being run under Xwin (Proprietary) Limited.
Those arrested are believed to have been involved in unlicensed gambling activities, with participants reportedly originating from China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Myanmar and Eswatini.
Prosecutors have also added two key individuals, Li Peng Chi and Nhlanhla Tsabedze, to the list of accused persons. They are alleged to have facilitated the operation by employing foreign nationals who were in the country without legal status and enabling their participation in an unlicensed gambling business. The company linked to the scheme has also been formally named in the proceedings.
The recovery of more than E900,000 has placed renewed focus on the financial structure of the suspected operation, with investigators indicating that the sums involved point to sustained cash movement over time. While authorities have not yet disclosed the full financial trail, the revised figure suggests the operation handled substantial cash volumes.
The matter is expected to proceed through the courts as investigations continue into the broader financial links and potential expansion of the alleged network.
