'The Most Dangerous Place Is The Safest': Man Opens Mahjong Den Next to Police Station

A 55-year-old man, identified by his surname Xu, has been arrested for operating an illegal mahjong gambling den in Taipei, strategically located in an alley near the Wanhua Police Precinct. Xu believed that "the most dangerous place is the safest place," thinking the proximity to law enforcement would deter suspicion.

Xu reportedly chose a discreet residence in the Wanhua district over three months ago, leveraging its hidden nature and convenient access. However, the establishment's popularity and the constant flow of people attracted numerous complaints. Acting on these tips, police initiated surveillance and confirmed that the venue, while outwardly appearing as a mahjong leisure club, was in fact an illegal gambling operation.

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The most dangerous place is the safest place.

Following the gathering of concrete evidence, a special task force executed a search warrant on the afternoon of June 6. They apprehended Xu, two staff members, and 40 patrons. The police confiscated over 140,000 yuan in gambling funds, ten dice, and ten sets of mahjong tiles.

Xu and the staff members face charges for profiting from operating a gambling establishment under Article 268 of the Criminal Code, while the patrons are being investigated for gambling under Article 266. The Wanhua Police Precinct stressed that gambling not only corrupts social morals but also frequently serves as a breeding ground for loan sharking and violent debt collection. The police vowed to continue cracking down on illegal establishments within their jurisdiction to maintain public order and urged citizens to report any suspicious venues.

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The most dangerous place is the safest place.