The Japanese National Police Agency (NPA) has launched its first investigation into an offshore casino operator, marking a significant escalation in the country’s crackdown on illegal gambling activities.
Over the past year, Japanese law enforcement agencies have become increasingly proactive in their fight against illegal operators, employing aggressive tactics such as arrests and criminal prosecutions.
- In September 2023, two individuals were arrested for organizing a scheme to accept deposits in illegal online casinos. Five others were identified as suspects.
- In February 2024, seven people, including a US citizen, were arrested for organizing illegal gambling operations.
- In June 2024, the head of a major financial organization involved in money laundering from illegal gambling was apprehended.
According to the NPA website, between 2020 and 2022, a total of 307 people were arrested in Japan for internet gambling offenses.
It’s important to note that organizing illegal gambling is a criminal offense in Japan.
