Key points:
- Suspect allegedly exchanged RMB for casino chips outside authorised channels
- Arrest followed surveillance at a hotel in Macau’s NAPE district
- Woman caught gambling with HK$3,000 in chips linked to the transaction
A mainland Chinese man has been arrested by Macau police after being caught exchanging cash for casino chips in an unauthorised transaction near a hotel in the city’s NAPE district.
The incident, which was reported by Macao Daily, involved the exchange of RMB2,850 (US$392) for HK$3,000 worth of chips.
The Judiciary Police carried out a targeted operation on 15 June to curb illegal currency exchange activities. Officers observed a man and a female gambler engaging in what appeared to be a cash-for-chip transaction.
After the woman proceeded to gamble using HK$3,000 in chips, the police intervened and detained both individuals for questioning.
Good to know: Police seized a total of HK$35,500 in chips and cash. The suspect reportedly started the illegal exchanges earlier this month
According to the authorities, the suspect, a jobless man in his thirties with mainland residency, admitted to conducting the exchange. He told officers he had only recently begun engaging in such activities and had so far made around HK$1,000 in profit. Police believe he intended to use the remaining HK$33,000 in chips and cash found on him for similar unauthorised exchanges.
The man has been formally charged with conducting an illegal currency exchange for gambling purposes. The case has been handed over to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation.
