Dozens of foreign nationals arrested in Eswatini in connection with alleged illegal online gambling operations could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to the charge sheet presented during their court appearance.
The accused include nationals from China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brazil and Cambodia.
Prosecutors allege that they breached the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011, which carries the most severe penalties among the offenses listed in the case.
Under Section 89 of the Act, an individual convicted of money laundering is liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of no less than E100,000 ($5,380), or both.
The law also allows for a pecuniary penalty equal to the value of the benefit derived from the unlawful activity.
The allegations relate to financial transactions linked to suspected unlawful proceeds, including the movement of funds across borders. Police said a substantial share of the money generated by the alleged operation was deposited into foreign bank accounts, raising concerns about the scale of the network under investigation.
The accused are also alleged to have contravened Eswatini's Gaming Control Act, 2022. Under Section 3(1)(a), a person is prohibited from engaging in gaming on an event or contingency other than with a licensed holder permitted to conduct that gaming. A conviction under Section 3(3) carries a fine of up to E25,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
The Gaming Control Act also gives the court power to order the forfeiture of equipment, money and instruments used in the commission of the offense, including computers, mobile devices and communication tools allegedly used in the operation.
Further charges have been brought under the Immigration Act, with investigators alleging that some of the accused entered or remained in Eswatini without valid documentation. A conviction under that law can also carry a prison term of up to five years.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service said it is working with Interpol and the FBI as it investigates possible links to broader transnational criminal networks. Police allege the suspects were operating from lodges, rented flats and guest houses converted into hubs during a series of coordinated raids.
In related coverage, GGI reported on March 30 that Eswatini's Ministry of Finance warned illegal online gambling could expose the country to Financial Action Task Force greylisting, after more than 150 foreign nationals were charged in a transnational gambling probe tied to alleged money laundering risks.
Eswatini's Gaming Control Act allows courts to seize money, devices and other tools allegedly used in illegal gambling operations
