The Judiciary Police in Macau have apprehended four local individuals involved in a substantial illegal money exchange operation. This illicit activity, tied to a shop in Cotai's bustling district, witnessed a turnover of MOP45 million, translating to approximately US$5.6 million. Despite gathering substantial evidence, the specific location and name of the implicated shop remain undisclosed by the authorities.
Details of the Arrest and Seized Contraband
Among the arrested, the individuals ranged in age from 30 to 61, serving as staff members of the implicated establishment. The operation's illicit monetary gains were computed to be MOP1.5 million. In a raid of the premises, authorities seized HKD890,000 (roughly US$114,550) and CNY22,000 (about US$3,089), both in cash, believed to be linked to the unlawful exchange activities.
Insight on the Ongoing Investigation
The police initiated their investigation following intelligence collected in April concerning unlicensed money exchanges for gambling purposes— a violation under Macau's stringent "Law to Combat Crimes of Illegal Gambling." It is speculated that this unauthorized activity commenced in 2023, in anticipation of the law, which became effective in October 2024.
In a related development earlier this month, officers detained four individuals, including three locals and a Chinese mainland resident, as part of their crackdown on a similar operation within Cotai. This particular shop is suspected of facilitating gamblers with cash advances through dubious transactions.
During the enforcement action on October 6, authorities estimated the shop's turnover at MOP27 million, with illicit profits estimated to be at least MOP540,000. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the transactions related to the money-exchange business.
Source: Four Macau locals held in alleged US$5.6mln money exchange case tied to Cotai shop, GGRAsia, October 24, 2025.
Posted by Wizard
Oct 28 2025
Oct 28 2025
Comments
No comments for this article.