Taiwan’s cyber cops have disrupted yet another major technology support hub for sketchy China-facing online gambling sites.

Late last week, the telecom division of Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced the arrest of 34 individuals suspected in involvement in a major online gambling software and payment processing support network for a variety of China-facing gambling sites.

CIB officers reportedly became aware that the Taipei-based Yi Digital Entertainment Development was a front for unauthorized online gambling activity in January. In addition to the arrests, police seized 29 computers, 103 phones, 140 UnionPay cards and 323 ‘U Shields’ (apps that assist mobile banking transactions).  

The group’s alleged ringleader reportedly recruited individuals on the Chinese mainland to open local bank accounts through which the online gambling payments could be processed. The Yi Digital business reportedly handled online gambling transactions worth over NT$10m (US$340k) per day over an unspecified period.