Thirty-two people in northeast China's Liaoning Province have been charged with involvement in illegal online gambling involving a total of 5.8 billion yuan (about US$773 million).

Another 10 people, including the principal offenders Yang Xu and Wang Jun, are still under investigation and will be formally charged at a later date, a local government statement said.

More than 50 additional people are thought to be involved in the case. They are still on the run, according to the local police bureau.

Police said Yang Xu, the head of the criminal gang, formed a small group of gamblers and began operating illegal gambling sites with his wife Wang Jun in November 2005.

The gang soon expanded to more than 100 members in just less than two years, with the oldest being 61-years-old and the youngest 24.

Gambling is illegal in China and the government has made its stance towards Internet gambling clear.

"The prevalence of online gambling has ruined the online environment and harmed young people's growth. Gambling runs against the policy of building a harmonious society," stated a circular released earlier by four government ministries.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2007)