China Uncovered First Case of Underground Bank Using Game Time Cards

China Uncovered First Case of Underground Bank Using Game Time Cards
Shanghai police recently cracked the first case of an underground bank selling game time cards as a cover for illegal currency exchange. In six years, the underground bank transferred $3.75 billion worth of wealth. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Winnie Han
Updated:

The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) strict controls on foreign exchange have led to a proliferation of underground banks. Shanghai police recently cracked the first case of an underground bank selling game time cards (GTC) as a cover for illegal currency exchange. In six years, the underground bank has transferred $3.75 billion.

According to Chinese media reports, the underground bank used the GTCs as a medium to form a multi-link currency exchange chain in China, helping domestic and foreign customers exchange currencies. Over 20 people have been arrested and 3 online exchange platforms have been shut down.