Taiwanese Criminal Syndicate Laundered $1 Billion Through Macau Casinos

• Gambling
• 24 March 2026

Authorities in Taiwan have announced that they have discovered a significant international operation aimed at laundering money, which processed over TWD33 billion (approximately US$1.03 billion) in illegal funds through casinos located in Macau, China.

In a news statement released on Monday, Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau revealed that an inquiry led to criminal charges being filed against a network believed to have laundered illegal proceeds derived from an unlawful gambling operation on the island by utilizing casinos in Macau.

Macau, which is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic, is the sole territory controlled by China where gambling establishments are legally allowed. Though Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy, possessing its own military, currency, and elected leaders, China maintains its claim over Taiwan.

Allegations of Money Laundering in Macau

Taiwan’s Yunlin District Prosecutor’s Office reports that 20 persons have been detained concerning the international money laundering scheme.

The accusation, labeled by the Criminal Investigation Bureau as the “first cross-border casino money laundering case in the nation,” suggests that the operators of the illegal gambling ring in Taiwan enlisted the services of money mules to travel to Macau. Upon arrival in the world’s wealthiest gaming destination, these individuals received substantial cash and bank transfers, which they converted into spending cards to secure significant lines of credit. Subsequently, these mules withdrew large sums of cash at the casinos to purchase gaming chips. After a brief period of gambling, they would exchange the chips back for cash and send the funds back to Taiwan, hoping to disguise the money as legitimate gambling earnings.

In return for their work, the mules were paid a commission of 1-2% of the laundered sum, along with travel benefits such as reward points. Taiwanese officials stated that one money launderer allegedly processed $575,000 within a span of just ten days. A commission of 1.5% on this activity would amount to $8,625.

The 20 individuals implicated face accusations of breaching the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

"The public should not be tempted by small gains or small interest rate differentials or reward points by accepting funds from unknown sources, as this could make them accomplices in money laundering, facing criminal liability and hefty fines, a losing proposition,” the Criminal Investigations Bureau said in the release.

“The police will continue to crack down on money laundering channels, improve their technological investigative capabilities, and cooperate with international judicial authorities to fully protect the public’s property and maintain a safe and secure environment,” the law enforcement agency added.Macau's six gaming companies achieved a total gaming revenue of $30.9 billion in 2025. By February, the GGR has risen nearly 14% compared to the previous year, reaching $5.36 billion.

Are There Casinos in Taiwan?

Similar to mainland China, gambling in casinos is prohibited in Taiwan.

In 2009, the Taiwanese authorities endorsed a legislation permitting land-based casinos on offshore islands, contingent on resident approval through a local vote. Three years later, Matsu held such a vote, but up until now, no casinos have been established in the archipelago.

The ongoing threat from China toward Taiwan, along with the restriction on casino gambling, has likely discouraged gaming developers from entering the market.