ASEAN, China join efforts in combating illegal online gambling

The meeting has brought together delegates from law enforcement agencies of ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste and China as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEANAPOL Secretariat and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Under the theme “Unravelling the underground online gambling across Southeast Asia and China”, discussions centered on analyzing the criminal landscape, identifying emerging methods and challenges and exchanging legal frameworks and technological solutions to strengthen detection, prevention and suppression of illegal online gambling.

Delegates also reviewed strategies to enhance coordination and information sharing, raise the public awareness of avoiding the crime, and design communication campaigns to mitigate the harmful impacts of illegal online gambling.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Director of the Criminal Police Department Major General Phan Manh Truong underscored that illegal online gambling poses various threats, seriously affecting social order, economic life, people’s well-being and regional cybersecurity. 

He stressed that enhancing cooperation between ASEAN countries’ and China’s law enforcement agencies is of special importance in an effort to build a safe and stable environment and prevent criminals from exploiting online platforms.

Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation of China’s Ministry of Public Security Wang Qiang reaffirmed China’s “zero tolerance” policy and highlighted strong measures ranging from improved legislation and intensified enforcement to heightened public awareness of law observance and expanded international cooperation. 

He called for more information exchange, closer bilateral and multilateral coordination and comprehensive governance, including adjustments of policy among countries, corporate social responsibility of the tech–finance sector and youth-focused legal education.

At the end of the workshop, delegates pledged to further promote cooperation mechanisms, share information and best practices, and jointly organize activities to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of tackling the dangerous transnational crime.

The event reaffirmed the close ties, mutual trust and shared determination of ASEAN and China to combat transnational crime, contributing to a safe, stable and sustainable region.