The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has informed the High Court that its investigation into illegal online gambling in Eswatini has escalated into an international inquiry into fraud and organized crime. Detective Constable Ntokozo Dlamini from the Organised Crime Unit submitted an affidavit revealing that evidence retrieved from confiscated devices has indicated potential connections between the criminal network and high-ranking politicians, police officials, and immigration officers.
Currently, over 400 electronic devices are undergoing forensic analysis, supported by INTERPOL. In its own report on the case, described as Operation First Light 2026, INTERPOL noted that 240 devices had been confiscated and 82 arrests made during focused operations in Eswatini.
The initial raids, carried out in March 2026 in places like Mbabane and Ezulwini, led to the seizure of 313 electronic devices and the arrest of 146 foreign citizens, predominantly from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Brazil. The suspects are facing charges under the Gaming Control Act, the Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act, and the Immigration Act.
As forensic examinations progressed, Detective Constable Dlamini reported that the investigation revealed a structured operation exploiting victims in Brazil and India, while illegally operating online gambling services from Eswatini. The syndicate allegedly consolidated its earnings and converted them into cryptocurrency, primarily USDT, before channeling funds through financial institutions in Abu Dhabi and the United States back to Eswatini.
The inquiry also uncovered an elaborate impersonation scheme connected to the organized crime group. Investigators discovered what appeared to be a mock Brazilian police holding area at the Castle Hotel, equipped with Brazilian police uniforms, a bulletproof vest, communication radios, and a badge from the Brazilian Federal Police. Members of the network impersonated Brazilian police officers during video calls, falsely informing victims of criminal investigations and pressuring them to sign fraudulent confidentiality agreements, which involved transferring money to supposed Brazilian Central Bank accounts for safekeeping.
INTERPOL has identified around 40 Brazilian citizens who fell victim to this scam. As part of Operation First Light 2026, INTERPOL has deployed an Operational Support Team to Eswatini, facilitating the interception of illicit assets valued at approximately $293 million worldwide.
In response to the unfolding investigation, National Commissioner of Police Vusi Manoma Masango recommended a temporary suspension of new gambling licenses as of June 2, 2026. In a memorandum addressed to the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, which was also shared with the home affairs department, attorney general, and the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit, Masango cautioned that ongoing license issuance amid an active investigation could lead to further criminal infiltration.
“No individual is above the law, regardless of rank or political influence,” Masango stated, reaffirming that there would be no political immunity for those implicated in the ongoing investigation during a statement to the Times of Eswatini on August 3.
The situation has now reached legislative discussions. Senate Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli requested Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini in mid-August to investigate potential connections between politicians and foreign nationals involved in illegal online gambling. Mdluli expressed concern about possible unknowingly providing housing to these criminals.
Despite the serious nature of the offences, penalties currently remain quite lenient. In June, 84 of the foreign nationals arrested were convicted solely on immigration violations, receiving sentences of six months, with the option of paying a fine of E500 (approximately $30).
Eswatini's Gaming Control Act, enacted in 2022, continues to lack fully developed implementing regulations. In response to the concerns raised during parliamentary sessions—particularly a call made during the House of Assembly meeting on December 18, 2025—new gambling licenses have been halted while existing licenses are issued under heightened oversight. The Ministry of Finance has cautioned the High Court that the lack of regulation could prompt Eswatini's inclusion on international financial crime watch lists.
While the forensic examination of the seized devices remains ongoing, police officials plan to release a comprehensive report in the future. The investigation, which began modestly in March 2026, is now a broader inquiry involving numerous victims and a complex web of scams, likely influencing future gambling regulations in Eswatini.
