Alleged Chinese Online Gambling Kingpin Arrested in Montenegro

A major figure in the global online gambling underworld, Wang Shuiming, has been arrested in Montenegro after flying in on a private jet.

Authorities link Wang to illegal gambling operations targeting Chinese citizens, laundering millions across international borders.

The 42-year-old is also connected to Singapore’s historic $3 billion money laundering case, where he forfeited $180 million in assets.

Discover how Wang’s arrest could impact international gambling crime enforcement and what’s next for global regulatory crackdowns.

Alleged Chinese Gambling Kingpin Arrested in Montenegro Following Interpol Red Notice

3 Key Points:

1. Wang Shuiming Arrested in Montenegro: The alleged Chinese online gambling kingpin was detained at Tivat Airport after arriving on a private flight from the Maldives.
2. Tied to Illegal Gambling and Money Laundering: Wang allegedly ran a high-stakes gambling network, laundering millions through financial and technology firms.
3. Linked to Singapore’s $3B Money Laundering Case: Previously sentenced in Singapore, Wang forfeited $180 million in assets before deportation to Japan.

Montenegrin border authorities arrested Wang Shuiming at Tivat Airport following an Interpol Red Notice issued by China. The 42-year-old Chinese national, linked to a major illegal online gambling operation, is now facing criminal charges for allegedly orchestrating a high-stakes betting empire.

According to Montenegrin police, Wang arrived on a private jet from the Maldives, carrying Vanuatu-issued travel documents. Border police officers identified him during a routine security check, discovering an outstanding international arrest warrant from Interpol Beijing.

Authorities Suspect Wang of Running Illegal Gambling Network

Wang is accused of operating an online gambling platform targeting Chinese citizens, where players engaged in high-stakes games. The profits from these operations were laundered through a complex international scheme, involving financial and technology firms across multiple jurisdictions.

Montenegro’s police emphasized their strict border security measures:

“Montenegro is recognized for conducting thorough checks of foreign nationals at border crossings. Through such controls and effective international cooperation, this individual has been apprehended.”

Wang is now set to appear before the Higher Court in Podgorica, which will determine his extradition to China.

Wang’s Deep Ties to Singapore’s $3 Billion Money Laundering Case

Investigators also link Wang Shuiming—also known as Vang Šuiming—to Singapore’s largest-ever money laundering case, involving over $3 billion in illicit funds.

In May 2024, Wang was sentenced to 13 months and six weeks in prison after pleading guilty to:

• Two counts of money laundering.
• One count of submitting forged financial documents to banks.

Between 2021 and 2022, he allegedly submitted falsified financial statements to Singaporean financial institutions, allowing him to move illicit funds through legitimate banking channels.

As part of his sentencing, Wang forfeited $180 million worth of cash, properties, and luxury assets, the largest seizure among the ten individuals charged.

After completing his sentence, Wang was deported to Japan on June 1, 2024—but his legal troubles were far from over.

What’s Next? International Gambling Crackdowns Continue

Wang’s arrest marks another victory in the global fight against illegal online gambling and financial crime.

• China has ramped up its efforts to dismantle offshore gambling networks targeting its citizens, working closely with Interpol and foreign governments.
• Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, have intensified financial crime investigations, leading to high-profile arrests and asset seizures.
• Montenegro’s increasing cooperation with international agencies reflects its commitment to clamping down on illicit financial activities.

With international law enforcement tightening oversight on illicit gambling operations, Wang’s arrest could signal further crackdowns on underground gaming syndicates.

A Turning Point in Global Gambling Crime Enforcement

Wang Shuiming’s arrest in Montenegro underscores the global crackdown on illegal online gambling and financial crimes. His alleged role in high-stakes betting operations and connections to Singapore’s $3 billion money laundering scandal make him a high-value target for authorities.

As governments worldwide tighten gambling regulations and financial crime oversight, Wang’s detention could lead to further arrests and enforcement actions against international gambling syndicates.

The case serves as a warning to operators engaging in illicit gaming practices—with Interpol, financial watchdogs, and border authorities ramping up surveillance, the risk of exposure and prosecution has never been higher.