Laos Reports 153 Gambling and Cybercrime Raids, Detaining 10,651 People

Laos carried out 153 operations against illegal online gambling and cybercrime between January and September 2026, detaining 10,651 people of 31 nationalities, according to figures reported by SiGMA.

The publication attributed the figures to the Ministry of Public Security, citing state news agency KPL. Operations covered several provinces and special economic zones, targeting suspected gambling businesses, fraud centres and the infrastructure supporting them. The totals cover the broader cybercrime campaign rather than gambling offences alone. 

Enforcement Expanded After First-Half Operations

Authorities previously reported 44 operations and 4,482 people detained during the first six months of 2026. Those figures, presented to the National Assembly in July, covered people of 25 nationalities.

The campaign followed an April directive instructing authorities nationwide to intensify action against online scams, cybercrime and illegal gambling networks. 

One major operation took place on July 18 at the ST Vegas complex in Vientiane. Police detained 589 people, including 373 Thai nationals, 199 Lao nationals, 15 Vietnamese nationals and two Cambodian nationals.

KPL reported that investigators seized 1,517 desktop computers, 4,045 laptops and 5,245 mobile phones, a combined 10,807 devices. Authorities said the equipment was being examined as investigations continued into the alleged network’s organisers and accomplices. 

Property Owners and Support Networks Face Scrutiny

A July 15 Ministry of Public Security order warned hotels, landlords, businesses and casino operators against providing premises or assistance to illegal gambling and scam operations. Potential consequences include fines, asset confiscation and criminal prosecution.

Officials have also highlighted the use of AI-generated identities, fabricated voices and facial images, alongside fraudulent bank accounts used in scams and money laundering.

Authorities say some people found in suspected scam operations may have been trafficked or coerced into working there. The enforcement response therefore includes efforts to distinguish organisers from vulnerable individuals requiring assistance or repatriation. 

Licensed Casinos Remain a Separate Market

The crackdown does not amount to a prohibition on licensed land-based casinos. SiGMA reports that those businesses remain subject to a tax framework combining annual payments based on gaming-table tiers, additional levies and a 30% profit tax.

The publication also noted that, despite reports about possible licensing of offshore online gambling operators, no law establishing such a regime had been published as of October 2026.