A new report from cloud network security company Infoblox exposes an alleged Chinese cybercrime syndicate for operational illegal gambling sites, those advertised at European sporting events. This sparks concerns about the prevalence of online fraud in the digital age. It dubs Vigorish Viper- a name referring to the fee charged by a bookie, that is helping fuel an illegal global gambling economy worth approximately $1.7 trillion annually. This is allegedly related to cyber fraud-related human trafficking in Southeast Asia.
The syndicate, still unnamed, has been operating a network of illicit gambling websites that target unsuspecting consumers across Europe. It involves exploiting the lucrative online gambling industry for their own financial benefit. These sites are promoted through advertisements displayed during major sporting events, such as football matches and tennis tournaments, where millions of viewers are exposed to illicit platforms.
The syndicate provides a technology suite for mobile betting applications including software, website hosting, domain name system configurations, payment systems and mobile apps. It was discovered by the researchers that the technology was developed by the company named Yabo Group. The said company deals with some of Europe's biggest football clubs- including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and AS Monaco.
After the deals were inked, Chinese authorities went after the company as part of a years-long crackdown on offshore gambling because of concerns about capital outflow. They considered it of oversees manipulation and domestic infiltration", which has allegedly recruited 80,000 "domestic agents" and attracted nearly six million gamblers. After the arrest of attackers, Yabo Group was seen no more.
The operation is considered as sophisticated and described to be a well-oiled machine, where the cyber criminals utilized advanced technology and digital tools to evade detection by law enforcement agencies. The sites are designed to impersonate legitimate online casinos and sports betting platforms, tricking unsuspecting users to deposit money and placing bets on rigged games and matches.
According to investigators, the syndicate has been able to operate under the radar for many years because of its complex web of servers and proxies. This made it difficult for the authorities to trace the origins of the criminal enterprise. This way, the illegal gambling sites have generated millions of euros in revenue for the syndicate. The proceeds were laundered through a network of shell companies and offshore accounts.
In fact, it was found by the researchers, that the company spawned an assortment of offshoots "laundered into a series of new entities, such as Kaiyun Sports, KM Gaming, Ponymuah, and SKG". These companies seem to be independent, but they are not in real. These companies along with the newly established companies make up a supply chain for Vigorish Viper to continue operations unabated and under less scrutiny.
After analyzing DNS data, the researchers figured out the links between the many brands. The domain for one of them , KB Sports, was registered under the name "Yabo" in 2020. KB Sports signed a three-year sponsorship deal that year with the French football club FC Girondins, which allowed to advertise pitchside. As per Infoblox, the gambling operator's website was not available in Europe, but it is accessible in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, where gambling is a massive industry despite being illegal.
The authorities have warned the users to be cautious while engaging in online gambling activities, specially during major sporting events where illegal sites are very often advertised. They have also influenced website operators and advertising agencies to be vigilant and report any type of suspicious activity or questionable content to the relevant authorities.
The researchers found that customer support on Vigorish Viper's websites seem to provide actual staff- by the Asian Racing Federation Council. Yabo Group was linked to human trafficking, particularly involved forced labor in a cyber fraud compound in Cambodia where people were allegedly tasked with supporting the betting operations of the company. Along with this, trafficked workers were forced to carry out pig butchering scams, where fraudsters develop a relationship with victims before luring them into making fraudulent investments.
The recent case of the Chinese cybercrime syndicate behind the illegal gambling sites has increased concerns about the growing threat of online fraud and cybercrime in the digital era. The technology is at a stage of advancement where criminals become more sophisticated in their tactics. The law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies work together to grab these illicit activities and safeguard the consumers from being a victim to online scams.
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