Macau woman arrested for illegal casino currency exchange activity | Gambling Insider
Suspect allegedly profited RMB90,000 (US$12,400) from unauthorised transactions since November 2024.
Key points:
– Police intercepted suspect outside a Cotai casino during routine patrol
– Over HK$58,000 (US$7,400) in casino chips seized from the suspect
– Authorities allege RMB90,000 in illegal profits since November
A 37-year-old unemployed Macau resident has been arrested on suspicion of conducting illegal currency exchanges near a Cotai casino, as reported by Macao Daily.
The woman, surnamed Chou, was apprehended during a surveillance operation carried out by the Judiciary Police in the vicinity of a casino. Officers had observed Chou behaving suspiciously with a male gambler. The two were seen exchanging a QR code, after which the gambler transferred funds to Chou and received HK$45,000 in casino chips. Both were detained as they entered the casino.
Upon inspection, officers discovered HK$58,300 worth of additional chips and a mobile phone on Chou. The gambler was found to have HK$30,000 in remaining chips, having reportedly lost HK$15,000 shortly after the exchange.
Investigations revealed that the parties had agreed to exchange RMB42,750 for HK$45,000 in chips, generating a profit margin of RMB750 for the suspect. Police allege that Chou has been operating similar unauthorised exchanges since November last year and has earned illegal proceeds totalling RMB90,000.
Good to know: Authorities have charged the suspect under provisions targeting illegal currency operations conducted for gambling purposes
The case has been formally filed under the offence of “unlawful currency exchange for gambling,” with Chou transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further proceedings.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised financial activities surrounding Macau’s casino industry.
