Eswatini police detain 50 additional foreign nationals in gambling syndicate probe
Preliminary findings show that many of those arrested are from mainland China.
Eswatini.- The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, has arrested 50 more foreign nationals suspected of involvement in an international online gambling and fraud network operating across Mbabane and its surrounding areas.
The latest arrests took place at Madlenya House and other locations suspected to be used by a group known as X Win Gambling Company, which authorities allege operated unlicensed online gambling services via digital platforms without regulatory approval.
According to investigators, the premises were used as coordinated workspaces where several individuals managed online betting activities. During the raid, officers confiscated electronic devices and documentation, which have been taken in for forensic review to establish the scope and financial activity of the operation.
Preliminary findings show that many of those arrested are from mainland China, with others holding citizenship in Brazil, Indonesia, Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, India and Malaysia. Also, most of these individuals are believed to have entered Eswatini without valid visas or work permits, bypassing official ports of entry.
The development follows earlier raids at the Castle Hotel in Mbabane, a guest house in Hawane, and residential properties in Woodlands and Ezulwini. With the latest arrests, there are now more than 200 foreign nationals in detention over their suspected involvement in the online gambling and fraud network.
A mainland Chinese national, known as “Tiger” and identified by police as the alleged kingpin behind the ring, was also recently apprehended in Ezulwini. Investigators accuse him of coordinating the entry and accommodation of foreign workers and supplying the electronic equipment required for the operation.
Police have also detained local figures connected to the logistics of the business, including a company director and a prominent pastor’s wife, who was taken in for questioning over her suspected role in supporting the syndicate’s local network.
The detained individuals are appearing before the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court in groups, where they face multiple charges, including breaches of the Immigration Act, illegal gambling activities under the Gaming Control Act and possible offences under the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Prevention Act.
