Money exchange gang member found dead after winning HK$2.5 million gambling in Macau casino

A shocking murder linked to Macau’s underground money exchange gangs unfolded on Wednesday, August 7, at the Wynn Palace. A 40-year-old man from mainland China was found dead in his hotel room, in what authorities believe was a premeditated robbery gone wrong.

Multiple media outlets in Macau have reported that the 40-year-old victim was found dead in the hotel bathroom hours after he won HK$2.5 million (US$321,000) gambling in casino.

The murder, which took place around 4 PM, involved two men familiar with each other—both reportedly involved in Macau’s notorious money exchange circles. According to the Macau Judiciary Police, the victim had won over HK$2.5 million at a casino earlier that day, which likely became the motive for the crime.

The victim’s body was discovered in the bathroom of his hotel room after a concerned family member, unable to reach him, alerted hotel security. Upon entering the room, security personnel found the lifeless body with a nearly eight-inch knife wound on his neck and evidence of a hasty attempt to clean up the scene.

Authorities quickly launched an investigation, leading to the swift arrest of two suspects. The primary suspect, a man from mainland China in his 40s, surnamed Yang, was apprehended at a supermarket in Taipa just three hours after the crime was reported. The other suspect, a 48-year-old Hong Kong woman surnamed Tang, was also taken into custody. Tang is suspected of facilitating the transfer of the stolen money to a mainland bank account using a network of money exchange gangs.

Investigators revealed that after committing the murder, Yang attempted to cover his tracks by changing his clothes twice before being apprehended. Despite his lack of cooperation during questioning, police have gathered substantial evidence placing him at the scene of the crime. Yang has been charged with aggravated homicide and robbery, while Tang faces charges of money laundering.

Authorities have managed to recover approximately HK$1.7 million of the stolen money.

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