Fake tickets, real bust: Jiangxi police foil illegal sports lottery ring

In a crackdown on illegal gambling, police in Fenyi county, Jiangxi province, have dismantled a criminal ring selling fake China Sports Lottery tickets. The operation netted three suspects and over $42,000 in illicit earnings.

On Dec 21, during a routine patrol, officers discovered suspicious activity at an apartment linked to illegal lottery sales. Swift action led to the apprehension of three individuals and the seizure of three mobile phones and three computers.

A subsequent investigation revealed a larger scheme orchestrated by a main suspect surnamed Xi. Since October 5, Xi and his associates had been operating without the required permit from China Sports Lottery. They lured bettors through social media, offering to buy legitimate tickets on their behalf.

To deceive buyers, the gang employed two tactics. For some, they fabricated virtual lottery tickets using graphic software. However, for those demanding proof, they resorted to purchasing real tickets from authorized shops and sending photos.

Regardless of the method, the proceeds followed the same illicit path. Winning tickets were cashed out, while losers' payments lined the pockets of the perpetrators.

Authorities estimate the illegal operation raked in over 300,000 yuan ($42,000) in sales, generating illegal profits exceeding 64,000 yuan. All six suspects currently face criminal detention on suspicion of illegal business operation. Further investigations are ongoing.