Gambling Chinese Kidnapped in Philippines
As is known, the Chinese are a very gambling nation, but in the country you can realize your passion for such entertainment only in Macau. Not all ordinary citizens can afford the luxurious gambling houses of this province, which became a reason to visit the casinos of other countries located in relative proximity to the Celestial Empire.
A few days ago, the Chinese authorities expressed concern and sent a corresponding request to the Philippines authorities in connection with Chinese citizens visiting casinos in this country. A similar problem was first voiced back in 2017, when the Philippines police recorded 52 such cases. What is interesting is that the people were kidnapped by the casino operators themselves, from whom gamblers borrowed large sums and did not return them on time. At the same time, these operators were mainly enclaves of ethnic Chinese who organized a gambling business in a foreign country.
Five Chinese gambling industry businessmen were arrested in August for detaining a fellow countryman. A senior Philippine police official shared information about the methods of crime syndicates with the public last week. Two options are commonly used:
- The Chinese are lured into the country under the guise of junket tours. In this case, travel is paid for, and a certain amount is given for the game. The victim is obliged to repay the debt and part of the winnings (usually 20-30%). However, in the event of a loss and the inability to pay (which is most often the case), the debtor is forcibly detained, demanding that the debts be repaid.
- Rich compatriots are invited to the Philippines, promising excellent conditions for developing a joint business. After arriving, he is detained with a ransom demand from relatives. Otherwise, the criminals threaten to create a lot of trouble for the businessman's entire family, up to and including murdering its members.
The Chinese authorities' harsh statement against the Philippines was made after another outrageous incident that occurred the other day. A handcuffed Chinese man, who was being held in the country illegally, fell from the fifth floor of a building. It is very likely that the official meeting of the presidents of these countries, which is scheduled for the end of August, will discuss the issue of the safety of Chinese citizens visiting the Philippines.
