Macau Judiciary Police Repatriate 36 Members to Mainland China; Intensify Crackdown on Money Exchange Gangs

August 14, 2024 Macau Crime & Legal

The Macau Judiciary Police (PJ) have intensified their efforts against money exchange gangs operating within the region, following the announcement of a crackdown by China’s Ministry of Public Security in May.

On Tuesday, August 13, the PJ repatriated 36 members of these gangs to mainland China, marking a significant escalation in the fight against illegal financial activities in Macau’s bustling casino industry.

The operation saw the deployment of 180 officers to various hotels and residences across Macau and Taipa. The coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of 36 individuals, including a foreign worker residing in Macau. Inside Asian Gaming reports that the operation yielded substantial evidence, with officers seizing HK$1.8 million in cash and more than HK$600,000 in casino chips. The detained individuals were immediately taken into custody for further investigation.

Following their arrests, the PJ swiftly coordinated with their mainland counterparts, facilitating the transfer of all 36 gang members back to China on the same day. This rapid repatriation underscores the collaboration between Macau and mainland law enforcement agencies, aimed at dismantling the networks that enable illegal money exchanges in the region.

The intensified crackdown comes in the wake of a special program announced in May by mainland public security authorities targeting Macau’s money exchange gangs. The urgency of the situation was further underscored last week when a gang-related murder occurred at a Macau integrated resort hotel, where a Hong Kong gang member was killed by another gang member. This incident has amplified concerns over the criminal activities associated with these gangs, prompting legislative action.

In response to the growing threat, Macau’s Legislative Assembly recently announced plans to criminalize money exchange gangs under the “Illegal Gaming Offences” category. Once enacted, individuals involved in such illegal operations could face imprisonment of up to five years. This legislative move is expected to serve as a significant deterrent to the proliferation of money exchange gangs within Macau, further bolstering the region’s efforts to maintain its reputation as a safe and regulated gaming hub.

The PJ has emphasized that this recent operation is just the beginning. They have vowed to continue their rigorous inspections and crackdowns, maintaining close communication and cooperation with China’s Ministry of Public Security.