Eswatini Tourism Ministry says it has no record of suspects in illegal gambling probe
Jane Mkhonta Simelane informed lawmakers that the Ministry had not been informed of such operations prior to recent enforcement actions.
Eswatini.- Eswatini’s Tourism Ministry has denied having any record of the foreign nationals suspected of involvement in illegal gambling operations, even as police investigations continue to expose a large online betting and financial crime network centred in Mbabane.
Authorities recently carried out coordinated raids across Mbabane and nearby areas, uncovering what they describe as a multi-billion illegal online gambling syndicate. More than 200 foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with the operation. The suspects are reported to originate from several countries, including China, Taiwan, Brazil, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia.
At a recent parliamentary hearing, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta Simelane informed lawmakers that the Ministry had not been informed of such operations prior to recent enforcement actions. She stated that the only gambling-related interaction her office handled was a single licence application, which has not yet been approved. She also indicated that there is no available information within the Ministry on how the foreign suspects entered the country.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of Eswatini’s gambling regulatory framework, particularly in the online sector. Senator Isaac Magagula raised concerns over the absence of specific legislation to regulate online gambling, noting that previous calls for a dedicated law have not yet resulted in policy action. He warned that the lack of clear laws limits the country’s ability to effectively monitor and prosecute digital gambling operations.
Lawmakers also questioned enforcement delays. Senator Prince Mphatfwa asked how the operation remained undetected for an extended period, given the number of individuals involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to expand inquiries into financial flows and cross-border links. The case is likely to accelerate policy discussions around formalising online gambling laws and strengthening enforcement mechanisms within Eswatini’s gambling sector.
