32 charged in six-billion yuan online gambling case

In the Liaoning province in northeast China, thirty-two people have been charged with involvement in illegal online gambling involving a total of $5.8 billion yuan, which is about $773 million U.S.dollars.

A local government statement said the principal offenders, Yang Xu and Wang Jun, with other 10 people are still under further investigation and will be formally charged at a later date.

According to the local police bureau more than 50 additional people thought to be involved in the case are still on the run.

Police said the head of the criminal gang, Yang Xu, formed a small group of gamblers and in November 2005 began operating illegal gambling sites with his wife Wang Jun.

In just less than two years the gang expanded to more than 100, with the oldest member 61-years-old and the youngest 24.

Gambling is illegal in China and the government has made its stance towards Internet gambling clear.

a circular earlier released by four government ministries said "The prevalence of online gambling has ruined the online environment and harmed young people's growth, which runs against the policy of building a harmonious society".