LOCAL investigators are set to meet their counterparts from Brazil to discuss matters relating to the over 150 Asian nationals who were arrested in the kingdom in connection to illegal online gambling.
National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusi Masango revealed this latest development yesterday when asked about progress in the high-profile investigation that led to the arrest of the 153 Asian nationals suspected of operating an illegal online gambling network in the country.
Masango said he recently held discussions with his counterpart from the Federal Republic of Brazil and an agreement was reached for investigators specialising in online gambling crimes from both countries to meet this week in South Africa.
According to the commissioner, the meeting is expected to strengthen ongoing investigations and facilitate the exchange of intelligence regarding transnational online gambling operations.
He said the police had gathered substantial information and evidence during the investigation and were confident that the matter was now at a stage where it could be presented before the courts.
“We are making progress in our investigations and we have enough information and evidence to proceed to court,” said Masango.
The commissioner previously disclosed that investigations had revealed that while the syndicate was operating within the borders of the kingdom, it was being controlled from outside.
He said local operators reported to individuals based abroad, indicating the existence of a larger international criminal network.
Masango described the operation as a cartel with a command structure extending beyond the country’s borders. He explained that investigators had established that proceeds generated through the alleged gambling activities were not retained locally, but were transferred to other countries, where members of the syndicate maintained connections.
To uncover the full extent of the network, police had been analysing information extracted from electronic devices seized during the investigations.
The data is expected to assist authorities in identifying the masterminds behind the scheme and determining appropriate charges against those involved.
Further, he had mentioned that the investigation had received support from the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), with offices in Harare and at the organisation’s headquarters in Lyon, France, assisting local authorities.
Therefore, he said international law enforcement agencies had been roped in on the investigation with the hope to identifying international victims of the online crimes that were allegedly committed by the arrested Asian nationals in the country.
The commissioner noted that illegal online gambling had become a growing international challenge, citing similar cases in countries such as Indonesia.
In one recent operation, Indonesian authorities reportedly arrested 321 Asian nationals during a raid on an alleged online gambling operation in Jakarta.
Investigators there described the premises as a hub linked to more than 70 online gambling websites targeting players outside Indonesia.
Law enforcers had reportedly continued efforts to identify the organisers and financiers behind that network.
Meanwhile, Masango warned that despite the local arrests, foreign nationals continued attempting to enter the country to engage in similar activities.
He said some individuals allegedly seek entry under the guise of pursuing legitimate employment opportunities, while intending to participate in illegal online gambling operations.
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“We still repel other foreigners who want to enter the kingdom. Some even try to enter pretending to be coming here to conduct legitimate jobs. We will not rest until this demon is crushed,” said Masango.
The commissioner said the fight against illegal online gambling remained a priority for the police, adding that international cooperation would be critical in dismantling the transnational networks believed to be behind the operations.
No hiring yet, don’t fall victim to bofacata – NatCom
Meanwhile, the NatCom has confirmed there is no intake underway.
He said recruitments in the police service are usually determined by the availability of funds in government’s coffers and that is when the nation is informed of recruitment dates and standard processes through official channels.
The national commissioner mentioned that scammers are usually sweet talkers who could convince almost anyone into giving up confidential information that could result in them landing their hands on their preys’ money.
In this regard, Masango stated that facata scammers had tried to swindle him three times. In one instance, he said the scammer said there were job opportunities at Ezulwini and that he should send his child with some money to the establishment so that he could assist him.
“I sent the child with a bank card and hatched a plan to apprehend the suspect, but they did not show up. I was ready to have him behind bars,” said Masango.
