From Jobs to Power: The Laotian Casino Saga

This chapter explores the transformative journey of a Heilongjiang native who built a casino empire in Macau, eventually transitioning to a powerful player in Laos's special economic zone. It reveals the dark underbelly of this zone, where autonomy from local law enforcement has allowed illicit activities to flourish, while detailing the plight of victims caught in a web of scams. The gripping story of an Indonesian worker's harrowing escape from forced labor within this zone underscores the complex interplay of development, crime, and international law enforcement challenges.