Betting scam linked to Chinese student couple’s murder

Aug 15 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

5,000 Euro ‘rip-off’

INTERNET users claimed Mr Yang was left owing a 5,000 euro debt after being ripped off by a business partner. They report a colleague called Paul disappeared with the cash intended for paying the recruits who covered football matches for the betting scam.

More messages on the forum refer to the worldwide agency behind the scam and one user begins a conversation by suggesting that the type of "football assistant job" offered by Mr Yang was "a lie".

He goes on to describe having completed such a job without being paid, including having bought a ticket to a football game and paid for his transport to the venue.

Another forum poster under the alias ‘Wesleyang’ then responds to this allegation. He names Paul as a business partner and refers to him as having contracted Mr Yang to recruit football reporters.

Wesleyang goes on to describe how his own company paid Paul via banker’s draft to distribute money to agents to recruit agents.

Paul is then alleged to have disappeared with 5,000 euros owed to Mr Yang. Wesleyang substantiates his comments by claiming to be "in charge" of the territory in which Yang operated. He refers to agents in other countries carrying out their duties "honestly".

Online revelations of business dealings

THE Journal has translated Mr Yang’s online comments relating to his business dealings operating in the North East.

Among his discussions with fellow Chinese students, he said: "Mexican teams playing in Los Angeles. We need 2 people. Mobile phones, reports back to the company, the company will call you and speak Chinese. $100 payment, you get paid $20 to buy the ticket.

"1-2 games a week. Payment will go to bank account after the match, 1 payment after 1 match.

"Recruiting football assistants, no need to be a professional. Go to the football stadium to watch the game, report what’s going on to the company, the company calls your mobile so you won’t get charged. Need to be a responsible person to do the job well. Can’t be laid back person.

"Locations all over Britain. Many cities have big football teams. Advertising the football. Looking for people to work in London, Blackpool, York, Preston, Stoke, Leeds Bradford and Manchester.

"Ideally you have your own car. You need to be familiar with the local area because sometimes football grounds aren’t in the middle of the city. Most games are on Saturday. We need you to be responsible and on time. Reporting style simple, no analyse.

"No forgery, all legitimate. Four years experience doing this. We have people going to UK and Europe to watch the games."

"Can provide a real certificate to prove they studied abroad. You should finish your studies but if you couldn’t finish, we might be able to help. Those who are interested in the offer can get it done today, no deposit, 10 working days and by 10 days you will know if it’s real or fake.

"If you can’t finish your studies, we will try our best to help you with one of the certificates.

"I can provide a real International Student Certificate. We will try our best to help you."

Some of the angry messages posted on the internet

THE Journal has translated online comments from angry internet users.

"Cici_uk has been deceitful.

"Why do you delete the post, are you afraid of something? If you haven’t done anything bad, what have you got to be afraid of?

"Give me the money as soon as possible, it has been three weeks. You don’t even answer the phone, you liar.

"Cici_uk always posts on this BB (bulletin board) looking for football assistants.

"Of course I ask for my money, they said they would pay me the next day. I check my account the next day, nothing was there.

"I gave her another phone call, she said she was busy and didn’t have time. Too busy lying to others. If you have the guts, go and lie to non-Chinese people.

"Previously I think she sold cosmetics, if they are selling anything, watch out.

"I believe they are still doing some of the things and they will continue. So ask for money in advance. I have their phone no and email addresses. If you want, I will publicise them.

"Don’t trust them, liars, haven’t paid me for 3 weeks. Don’t let people be fooled.

"What about my money, they said it will be in bank account the following day. I check bank account, nothing was there.

"By the evening the money still hadn’t arrived.

"Dec 11th still haven’t received the money so I made a phone call and shouted. They accused me of having a bad attitude.

"I feel angry again, I made another phone call to them at 11.45pm when they heard it was me, they hung up. After the phone call, I swore. I shouted to them and asked them to "watch out".

"I’m sure I can find them, I asked them, wait there I will find you.

"I went to Newcastle and couldn’t find him. The male said he was going to go back to China and that there was no need to look for him. I’m not happy. We’ll see who’s the bad guy!"

"You cici have cheated money from JM and you Lanyang, you have been selling fake international driving licences and fake university materials. Everyone go to Google and see for yourself."