In a shocking revelation, Philippine Senator Denise Mercado has accused China-centric casinos in the country of having ties to criminal syndicates. The senator made the explosive claim during a recent senate hearing on the regulation of the gambling industry in the Philippines.
According to Senator Mercado, the influx of Chinese nationals into the Philippines has led to the proliferation of China-centric casinos that cater primarily to Chinese high-rollers. These casinos, she alleges, are not only operating illegally but are also linked to criminal syndicates involved in illegal activities such as money laundering, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Senator Mercado pointed out that many of these casinos are located in remote areas outside of major cities, making them difficult for authorities to monitor and regulate. She also accused the operators of these casinos of evading taxes and engaging in other illegal activities to maximize their profits.
“These China-centric casinos are a threat to our national security and must be shut down immediately,” Senator Mercado declared during the senate hearing. “They are operating with impunity and are providing a safe haven for criminal syndicates to carry out their illegal activities.”
The senator called on the Philippine government to take swift action to crackdown on these illegal casinos and hold the operators accountable for their crimes. She also urged the Philippine Gaming Authority to strengthen its regulatory oversight of the gambling industry to prevent further abuse.
In response to Senator Mercado’s allegations, the Chinese embassy in Manila issued a statement denying any involvement in illegal activities related to China-centric casinos in the Philippines. The embassy emphasized that it is committed to promoting legal and responsible gambling practices among Chinese nationals living in the Philippines.
As the investigation into the link between China-centric casinos and criminal syndicates continues, the Philippine government faces mounting pressure to address the issue and ensure the integrity of the country’s gambling industry. With the reputation of the Philippines as a gaming destination at stake, the stakes have never been higher for authorities to act decisively to combat illegal activities in the gambling sector.