As Macau’s gaming sector continues its post-pandemic recovery, authorities are grappling with an uptick in gaming-related crimes, with illegal money exchange operations remaining a challenging issue to tackle despite new regulation being introduced
According to info presented on Thursday by Macau’s Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak, between January and September 2024, the city recorded 1,021 criminal investigations tied to gaming, a 42.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
However, these figures are still significantly lower—down 36.1 percent—from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the Judiciary Police (PJ).
The surge in crime coincides with an influx of tourists, fueling uncertainties in Macau’s security landscape.
To counter these risks, authorities ramped up surveillance in casinos and surrounding areas, launching high-profile operations such as “Winter Preventive Operation” and “Thunderstorm Operation.” These efforts have been credited with deterring potential offenders and keeping gaming-related crime rates below pre-pandemic benchmarks.
Fraud remained the most common gaming-related offense, with 254 cases (24.9 percent of total crimes), followed by loan-sharking (195 cases), misappropriation (150 cases), and theft (113 cases). Other offenses included trespassing, assault, and kidnapping, though these accounted for smaller proportions of the overall crime tally.
Illegal money exchange: a persistent threat
Illegal money exchange activities, often linked to fraud and violent crimes, have remained a critical challenge, according to authorities.
Between January and September, police intercepted over 2,800 money changers, imposing entry bans and barring many from casinos. Fraud schemes tied to these operations—ranging from counterfeit currency to frozen accounts—have also prompted increased enforcement.
Authorities report progress in curbing these activities, particularly in the second quarter, as targeted measures have led to a sharp decline in specific scams like the use of counterfeit “training notes.”
As part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal money exchange activities linked to the gaming industry, Macau’s authorities have strengthened cooperation with mainland China’s Ministry of Public Security.
This joint initiative was said to have already yielded significant results in dismantling transnational criminal operations and bolstering security in casinos and surrounding areas.
In September 2023, representatives from Macau and China’s Ministry of Public Security agreed to enhance information sharing and joint operations to target “money changers.” This agreement paved the way for coordinated crackdowns, starting with a comprehensive anti-cross-border strategy launched by mainland authorities in May 2024.
In June 2024, a major joint operation was also said to have led to the dismantling of three criminal groups using counterfeit “training notes” in fraudulent remittance schemes. This resulted in the arrest of 101 suspects and involved approximately MOP1.6 billion ($200.2 million) in illicit funds.
A follow-up operation in August, dubbed “Ant Removal,” targeted money changers operating in casinos, hotels, residential areas, and near border crossings.
A total of 47 individuals from mainland China were arrested, with HK$1.92 million ($246,731) in cash and over HK$700,000 ($89,952) in gaming chips seized. After legal proceedings, all suspects were handed over to mainland China’s authorities.
Macau’s new law for Combating Illegal Gaming Crimes, effective since October 29th, introduced the criminal offense of “Illegal Currency Exchange for Gaming.” This landmark legislation aims to disrupt the activities of money changers, which threaten the stability of Macau’s financial system and public safety.
The law criminalizes not only illegal currency exchanges but also related crimes such as fraud, kidnapping, robbery, assault, and even homicide. Since its enactment, the police have initiated 42 cases and arrested 55 suspects under the new provisions, significantly improving safety in casinos and their vicinity.
Loan-sharking and kidnapping on the decline
Loan-sharking and kidnapping, once the dominant crimes in Macau’s gaming industry, have shown a sharp decline thanks to enhanced legislation and police crackdowns. Recent trends suggest these offenses are now largely committed by lone individuals rather than organized cross-border networks.
A joint operation between Macau and Hong Kong police, code-named “Demon Slayer,” was said to have dismantled a significant loan-sharking ring operating in both regions. Conducted in July 2024, the operation resulted in the arrest of seven key suspects, with further investigations ongoing.
Data also reveals that non-residents continue to dominate both the suspect and victim categories in gaming-related crimes.
Of the 1,267 suspects identified in the first nine months of 2024, some 75 percent were from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or other countries, with Macau residents comprising just 17 percent. Similarly, 85 percent of victims were non-residents, underscoring the transnational nature of these offenses.
No unusual activities from secret societies linked to the gaming sector were also detected this year, suggesting effective oversight in this area.
Despite the increase in gaming-related crimes compared to 2023, authorities emphasize that the overall situation remains far better than pre-pandemic conditions, with Secretary for Security Wong vowing to continue refining crime-fighting strategies and strengthening regional cooperation to ensure the stability of Macau’s gaming sector.
