Macau’s Judiciary Police have dismantled an illegal money exchange operation linked to gambling at a watch and jewellery shop inside a Cotai casino, arresting two female employees in a case involving about HK$60 million ($7.7 million) in unauthorised transactions.
Police said the shop had been operating since 2019 and continued to conduct illicit money-exchange activities even after Macau criminalised gambling-related unauthorised exchanges in 2024. Investigators estimate the operation handled roughly HK$60 million ($7.7 million) in illegal transactions, generating about HK$1 million ($128,000) in illicit profits.
According to the Judiciary Police, officers received intelligence suggesting the shop was involved in unlawful exchange activities and placed it under surveillance on December 29th.
During the operation, police observed a gambler from mainland China scan a QR code provided by a shop employee before receiving HK$5,000 ($640) in cash. The money was subsequently used to purchase gaming chips and gamble at the casino, prompting officers to intervene and intercept the individuals involved.
A search of the shop led to the seizure of about HK$500,000 ($64,000) in suspected criminal proceeds, along with a mobile phone believed to have been used to facilitate the operation.
Police said the two arrested employees—one a Macau resident and the other from mainland China—admitted to conducting illegal money exchange under the shop owner’s instructions. They reportedly received additional “overtime” payments ranging from about HK$2,000 to HK$5,000 ($260 to $640) per month for their involvement.
Both suspects have been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office on suspicion of operating illegal money exchange for gambling purposes. Investigations are continuing to locate the shop owner and identify other individuals linked to the case.
