China to strengthen crackdown on border crossings for gambling

China’s immigration authority will intensify controls on border crossings.

China.- China’s National Immigration Administration has said that it will intensify its crackdown on border crossings associated with gambling and fraud. At a press conference today (October 24), spokesperson Lin Yongsheng said border inspections would be increased, particularly for exits, in order to detect and stop suspects.

According to Xinhua, border security and patrols will be bolstered to obstruct the channels used for transporting personnel and supplies involved in illegal gambling and fraudulent activities. Awareness-raising initiatives, such as displaying educational materials, posters and sharing case studies, will be used to inform the public about the risks and consequences of these activities.

The administration says that illegal gambling and fraud rings located overseas have enticed Chinese citizens to unlawfully cross the border to participate in criminal activities.

See also: China: 32,000 arrested over cross-border gambling in H1

In 2020, China established a blacklist of destinations to which cross-border transfers are restricted. The list is compiled by multiple departments, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security. In March 2021, China’s revised Criminal Law made it illegal to assist cross-border gambling.

Last year, Chinese authorities signed cooperation agreements with countries in the region to combat online and cross-border gambling