Macau’s Judiciary Police has uncovered a case involving a money exchanger using the Macau non-resident worker scheme to run a business in the city.
The investigation began after a 50-year-old woman from mainland China was detained for conducting money exchange activities in a casino area. Further investigation revealed that she held a domestic helper visa in Macau.
The police also arrested the woman’s employers, a retired couple in their 60s. The husband is identified as the main suspect, while his wife is considered the second suspect, allegedly encouraging her husband’s actions.
According to the investigation, the money exchanger paid over HK$60,000 ($7,717) in visa application fees. Although she obtained her working visa in June 2023, she never worked at her supposed place of employment, the couple’s residence in Coloane.
Macau’s new Law on Illegal Gambling Activities, which came into effect on October 29th, 2024, imposes stricter measures on unauthorized gambling operations, particularly focusing on illegal money exchange for gambling purposes. Offenders now face penalties of up to five years in prison.
Since the law’s passage, Macau police have enhanced patrols in casino areas. Dozens of illegal money exchangers have been arrested, and millions of dollars in illicit funds have been seized.
