Laos casinos a criminal hub says report

There is a growing criminal threat associated with illegal gambling in the south-east Asia region of Mekong, mostly in Laos.

Casinos in the area are opening up new opportunities for money laundering and drug trafficking for crime networks, warns the United Nations and reported in Voice of America.

With China and Thailand closing their borders with Myanmar, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime says multi-national gangs based in eastern Myanmar are channelling drugs through Laos.

The special economic zones, designed to encourage investment, are often anchored by casinos and those venues have become the focus for trafficking and money laundering.

The agency says that there are over 140 casinos and 128 special economic zones in the region and the most attention is being paid to the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone between Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. It cites the Kings Romans Casino (pictured) as a focal point.