KATHMANDU: The operator of Casino Waldo has been arrested on charges of defrauding customers and engaging in illegal financial transactions under the guise of casino games.
According to SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu, a police team apprehended 75-year-old Chan Man Chying in Kathmandu while he was absconding.
A few days ago, authorities revealed that Casino Waldo, located at Chhaya Center in Thamel, had been conducting fraudulent activities during organized events using special chips and lenses to manipulate card games.
Several individuals, Suresh Mahajan, Dinesh Verma, Bikram Singh, Pramod Maurya, Chija Khadka, and Bhavani Pandey, had already been arrested in connection with the case.
Nepali operators of the casino, including Janardan Upreti (alias Binod), Gaurav Khatri, Niraj Kumar (alias Monu), Hira Shekhar Malli Puri, Kamal Kharbanda, and Mukesh, remain at large. Authorities confirmed that the Chinese investor arrested today was the main operator of the casino.
The fraudulent event, held from December 11 to 14, involved groups from India and Nepal. Police investigations revealed that Mahajan, the main organizer, managed fake players and procured magnetized chips and special lenses from India.
About 50 packets of magnetized playing cards and 400 special lenses were found, which allowed players to see both sides of the cards, clearly intending to cheat.
The investigation also uncovered a profit-sharing agreement between Suresh Mahajan and Dinesh Verma: 90% of the winnings from cheating went to the event operator, while 10% was given to the players.
Authorities recovered Nepali and Indian currency, chip-equipped cards, lenses, air tickets, and other items from the arrested individual. Police stated that further action will be taken in coordination with the Department of Tourism, as Casino Waldo has been found in violation of the law.
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