Police inspect an arcade on Ngọc Hân Công Chúa Street in Bắc Ninh City. — Photo cand.com.vn

BẮC NINH — As many as 24 Chinese nationals have been arrested after police in northern Bắc Ninh Province raided a series of arcades that were allegedly transformed into gambling dens.

The arcades were equipped with typical machines which were transformed into betting games.

Colonel Phạm Thế Tùng, director of the provincial Police Department, said the police raided five arcades, including three in Bắc Ninh City, one in Thuận Thành District and one in Từ Sơn Township on Monday.

The police seized a large amount of cash, including nearly VNĐ250 million (US$10,750), 16,300 yuan ($2,300) and $540, as well as four game booths and 12 score cards from the centres.

Major Nguyễn Đình Hùng, deputy head of the provincial Police Department’s Criminal Police Office, said the arcades were illegally operated by a group of Vietnamese and Chinese people. The arcades mainly served Chinese gamblers.

The group was very organised. All of the centres were equipped with cameras. Those who were unfamiliar with the operators could not get in. 

Gamblers were required to buy cards to record their scores before playing the machines. The points could be exchanged for cash.

The case is under further investigation. — VNS