The organisers of an illegal gambling ring which operated out of LUXURY tourist hotels have been handed down jail terms, even though some are still on the run.

One of those in court today was allowed to walk free after already having spent six months in a Vietnamese prison.

Timmy Quan — a Vietnamese-American — was charged with with illegal online gambling.

All forms of gambling are banned in Vietnam, although foreigners are ALLOWED to play in luxury hotels — those rated four stars or above.

Arrests

Police in Ho Chi Minh City — formerly Saigon — raided the OV at Equatorial Hotel, the De Palace at Food Center Restaurant and Victoria at Duxton Hotel last May, and arrested more than 20 people, mainly local Vietnamese.

Those appearing in court today were charged with organised gambling and other gaming-related offences: three Malaysian nationals were tried in their absence.

Some of the jail sentences were suspended.

International arrest warrants have been issued for the missing men.