Philippines media names online gambling czar

With the controversial Wang Bo deportation scandal now Philippines history (see previous reports), the Manila Times has focused on another, and allegedly even larger, online gambling ring leader it names as Kim Won.

Won heads an empire based in the Philippines which, the newspaper claims, generates half of the total Internet or online gambling in the country…all of it unlicensed and illegal.

Elements of Won’s group such as the Happy Wing, Xing Qi Ba and Oriental subsidiaries have been raided by the immigration authorities for employing hundreds of illegal aliens, particularly Chinese nationals.

Despite this, the operational activities allegedly resumed within days of the raids, on the same premises and still without licensing.

The newspaper’s investigative journalist quotes sources who claim that these online casino enterprises make millions of dollars for Won, processing “tens of millions” of dollars every day through local bank transfers.

Yet despite the illegal nature of his activities, Won continues to run his business, apparently with impunity, and appears to be well connected judging by reports that he mixes with powerful politicians and government officials.

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