Five Mainland Suspects Detained for Fake Casino Chip Scam in Macau: HK$1.8 Million Stolen

The Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) in Macau recently announced the detention of five mainland Chinese suspects for committing a substantial fraud offense against a Macau casino using counterfeit casino chips.

Suspects Arrested in Cotai Area Casino

The individuals, aged between 26 and 42, were captured by the Judicial Police (PJ) on May 2 near the Cotai area casino. The MP discovered that the suspects had used 585 fake HK$10,000 denomination casino chips to deceive the casino, resulting in a substantial fraud. The stolen amount was estimated to be at least HK$1.8 million (US$230,400).

Detention and Preliminary Investigation

On the advice of the prosecutor, a preliminary investigation led to the implementation of mandatory measures of detention for the suspects, raised by the MP due to the potential risk of the suspects absconding, continuing with the crime, and unsettling the public order.

Affecting Public Order and Economic Development

The fake chip scam has reportedly severely affected public order and economic development in Macau, causing significant disruptions in the lawful operation of the entertainment and gaming industry. The Public Prosecutor’s Office calls on the public and tourists to report any potential fraud incidents to the police or the MP immediately for a collaborative effort in suppressing such criminal activities.

Connection to Mainland Criminal Syndicate

According to the Prevention of Bribery Bureau (CPPP) of the PJ, the suspects acted on the instructions of a mainland criminal syndicate to come to Macau and execute the crime. The authorities have identified three suspects still at large and are currently gathering information to track them down, along with the criminal syndicate involved.

Local Journalist Coverage

Local journalist Pierce, with over five years of experience in Macau’s media scene, has covered various stories, including government, tourism, and gaming. He has worked for Exmoo, initially as a reporter and later as Deputy Assignment Editor in the Assignment Desk, overseeing the daily news agenda. Pierce holds a degree from the University of Macau.

Investigation and Updates

The MP is further investigating these developments to explore potential connections to other similar occurrences of fraud in Macau casinos. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding situation.