Key points:
- Suspects allegedly exchanged RMB19,000 (US$2,620) for HK$20,000 (US$2,500) to aid gambling activity
- Pair claimed to have earned HK$13,000 in illicit profit since March
- Case transferred to public prosecutors for further legal action
Two mainland Chinese nationals have been detained in Macau on suspicion of conducting unauthorised currency exchange linked to casino gambling activity, as reported by Macao Daily. The men were intercepted by Judiciary Police during a targeted patrol in the Cotai area.
The suspects, identified as Lam, aged 48 and unemployed, and Yeung, aged 33 and working in scrap recycling, were seen interacting with a gambler near a casino. Officers observed them exchanging RMB19,000 for HK$20,000, after which the gambler used the Hong Kong dollars to purchase chips and enter the gaming floor.
Police officers approached the group shortly after the transaction was completed. Upon questioning, the two men admitted they had been engaged in similar exchanges since mid-March. They reported earning around HK$13,000 in total from such transactions, which they divided equally. The most recent exchange yielded a profit of approximately RMB500.
Good to know: Unlicensed currency exchange in Macau is a criminal offence when conducted for gambling purposes
Officers confiscated HK$86,000 in cash from Lam and HK$15,000 in gaming chips from the gambler.
The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation. Authorities are continuing to monitor for similar activities in key entertainment zones.
