Lixin Group and WM Casino Named in UN Report in Cambodia
The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has published an investigation into the Cambodian group of companies Lixin Group, which owns the iGaming brand WM Casino.
OCCRP Investigation and UN Report
In April 2025, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) included a criminal group codenamed Business Group 2 in its report. According to the document, the group is linked to cyber fraud, illegal online gambling, and drug trafficking.
Several sources involved in preparing the report confirmed to OCCRP that Business Group 2 refers to Lixin Group, owned by Taiwanese businessman Hsu Ming-chao.
The full OCCRP investigation was published by the international investigative journalism consortium.
WM Casino and Operations in Cambodia
Opening of WM Hotel & Casino
In 2017, Lixin Group opened the WM Hotel & Casino in the Cambodian city of Sihanoukville. The building housed a land-based casino as well as studios with live dealers who streamed games for online operators.
Online Gambling Ban and Brand Registration
In 2019, Cambodian authorities banned online gambling. Following this, Hsu Ming-chao announced his exit from the gambling business in December of the same year.
However, in July 2020, entities linked to him registered the trademarks WM Casino, WM Hotel, and Lixin Casino in Cambodia.
WM Brand Activity After the Ban
In November 2025, OCCRP journalists identified at least nine active online casinos operating under the WM brand. One of them offered services in 11 languages.
During visits to the former WM Hotel & Casino building in 2024–2025, journalists recorded that live dealer studios were still operating and continuing online broadcasts.
Chinese Court Rulings and Fraud Schemes
Sentences Against Former Employees
As part of the OCCRP investigation, previously unpublished Chinese court rulings were obtained. According to these documents, 16 former employees of a company named “Lixin” were convicted of telecommunications fraud.
The convicted individuals lured victims into fake investment schemes involving cryptocurrency, as well as fraudulent gambling websites.
Money Laundering Through Real Estate
Court materials state that the proceeds were invested in real estate in Cambodia and overseas projects to legitimize the income. The confirmed damage amounted to $1.4 million.
UNODC Position and Lixin Group Response
Findings from the UN Report
The UNODC report notes that Lixin Group continues to cooperate with hundreds of licensed and unlicensed operators as a live content provider, and that online casinos using the WM brand remain active.
Company Representative’s Comment
Lixin Group representative Grant Tao told OCCRP that the company was unaware of its inclusion in the UN report and denies any involvement in illegal gambling, cyber fraud, or links to convicted individuals.