Eswatini Commissioner Says No One Is Above the Law in Illegal Gambling Investigation
Eswatini- Eswatini’s investigation into a suspected illegal online gambling syndicate will continue without fear or favour, with Police Commissioner Vusi Manoma Masango insisting that anyone implicated in the case will face arrest, regardless of their political status or government position.
Speaking on the ongoing investigation, Masango dismissed claims that the probe had slowed because influential individuals were allegedly linked to the criminal network. He reaffirmed that the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) remains committed to enforcing the law and will prosecute anyone found to have participated in the operation.
“The law applies equally to everyone,” Masango said, noting that while court procedures and coordination with prosecutors may influence the pace of investigations, they do not weaken the commitment of law enforcement agencies.
Investigation Expands Beyond Illegal Online Gambling
What began as an investigation into illegal online gambling has evolved into a wider transnational organised crime case after forensic experts from INTERPOL and international law enforcement agencies analysed more than 400 electronic devices seized during coordinated raids earlier this year.
Investigators recovered mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers and tablets from several locations, including the Castle Hotel in Mbabane, which authorities allege served as one of the syndicate’s operational centres.
According to court filings, evidence extracted from the devices suggests the criminal network operated illegal gambling platforms from Eswatini while targeting victims in countries including Brazil and India. Investigators also claim the digital evidence contains WhatsApp and Telegram conversations involving senior politicians, police officers, immigration officials and other individuals currently under investigation.
Cross-Border Investigation Continues
Masango confirmed that investigators have identified several alleged victims located outside Eswatini, underscoring the international scope of the operation.
He also highlighted Eswatini’s contribution to INTERPOL’s Operation First Light 2026, a global enforcement initiative that resulted in the arrest of 5,811 suspects and the seizure of more than US$293 million in illicit assets across 97 countries and territories.
According to the commissioner, intelligence gathered during Eswatini’s investigation helped authorities make additional arrests in other jurisdictions, including approximately 200 suspects in Cambodia. The country’s contribution was also recognised by INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.
Authorities say investigations remain ongoing as they continue analysing digital evidence and pursuing everyone linked to the alleged criminal enterprise.
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