Eighteen people arrested following raid on illegal baccarat game in Saitama, Japan

The Saitama prefecture police have arrested 18 people for suspicion of profiting from running gambling operations and gambling after raiding a residential home near JR Nishi-Kawaguchi Station.

The arrests include 13 staff and five customers and were made due to baccarat being run in a shop located on the 5th floor of a multi-tenant building in Kawaguchi, Saitama.

According to police reports, approximately JPY12 million (US$112,000) in cash, four baccarat tables, cards and chips were seized, with proceeds from the operation allegedly a source of funds for gang activity.

The location had been registered as a social restaurant and game center in 2017, but is believed to have operated baccarat for over a year.

Police had received a tip-off last June which eventually led to the raid. An anonymous internet forum which includes a thread relating to illegal gambling operations in the area also listed the name of this location, including details such as parking costs.