Koror, Palau – On Tuesday night, June 2, 2020, multiple national government agencies joined forces to conduct a search warrant on a suspected illegal online gambling operation in Semiich, Ngerchemai Hamlet, Republic of Palau. Pictured below is some of the evidence seized during the execution of the search warrant:
The illegal gambling business was discovered during a routine license check for a restaurant found to be storing bunk beds in the restaurant. Because the bunk beds had nothing to do with the restaurant, Investigators were prompted to look for the owner of the bunk beds, which in turn led Investigators to the suspected illegal online gambling operation. After viewing foreign workers through open doorways working at multiple computer stations with cell phones, active monitors, and other electronic devices and paraphernalia, the Investigators joined with the other agencies and obtained a search warrant to seize and secure all the suspected illegal gambling accessories and identify the people involved including those present during the search warrant. Investigation revealed the foreign workers were from the People’s Republic of China.
It is anticipated the arrested foreign workers will be released pending verification of their identities with further investigation and charges stemming from the illegal activity to follow.
April Dawn Cripps, Special Prosecutor for the Republic of Palau, made the announcement and will be prosecuting the case with support from Jacob Gordin, Assistant Special Prosecutor.
NOTE: A criminal complaint (Information) contains allegations that a defendant committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.