300+ Agents Linked to CNY300M Chinese Gambling Network After Thailand Arrest

Thai immigration has arrested a Chinese national wanted over an online gambling network that used more than 300 sub-agents to recruit over 1,000 players. Authorities put turnover above CNY300 million during the period covered by the case.

Li Jianlu, 37, was detained on September 15 at a house in Nong Pla Lai, Chonburi. He was wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice and is accused of handling the agent system and finances of the network, according to a September 16 report by Thai Rath.

The allegations cover activity from December 1, 2021, to August 26, 2022.

More Than 300 Sub-Agents Recruited Chinese Players

Investigators said the network brought more than 300 sub-agents into its recruitment structure. Those agents attracted more than 1,000 players from mainland China. The players were directed to offshore gambling sites identified as UG Global and OUBO.

Police described Li's role as extending beyond recruitment. He allegedly coordinated with the gambling websites, managed betting accounts, handled player funds and distributed commissions to agents and other members of the network.

Authorities reported turnover of more than CNY300 million, equivalent to more than $44.7 million using Bank of Thailand exchange rates for September 16. The figure refers to reported turnover across the network. It is not GGR, NGR or operator revenue.

Li Allegedly Received Around CNY3M

Li is alleged to have received about CNY3 million, or roughly $447,000 at the same September 16 exchange rates, from the operation and used the money for personal expenses. By 15M's calculation, that amount represents roughly 1% or less of the network's reported turnover.

The available figures do not support an average turnover per player or an average number of players recruited by each agent. Both the agent and player totals were reported only as figures exceeding 300 and 1,000 respectively.

Police also did not disclose how the CNY300 million was divided between UG Global and OUBO or what commission rates were paid to the sub-agents.

Arrest Followed 2024 Action in China

Li later left China. Authorities in Tianjin's Hebei District approved his arrest on April 30, 2024, before an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued. Thai immigration officers subsequently traced him to Chonburi and carried out the September 15 arrest.

Chonburi Immigration has started proceedings to revoke his visa. He remains in custody pending deportation to China, where the allegations fall under Article 303 of the country's Criminal Law.

Bottom Line

What stands out in this case is not only the CNY300 million turnover. Police also described a network with more than 300 sub-agents, meaning the gambling operation depended on a large recruitment layer rather than only direct player traffic.