Macau Police Arrest Group Extorting Casino Scammers
Police Crack Down on Extortion Ring Targeting Scammers
The Macau Judiciary Police have successfully apprehended a group involved in extorting money from casino scammers. The gang is believed to have amassed at least HKD 800,000 (approximately $102,779) through their illicit activities.
How the Extortion Scheme Operated
According to local reports, the police detained over a dozen individuals who coerced around ten scammers into paying sums between HKD 2,500 and HKD 4,000. The scheme came to light in June when authorities began investigating suspicious transactions.
The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) clarified that the victims were themselves scammers posing as legitimate gaming agents. These individuals pretended to place bets on behalf of customers but instead kept the money for themselves without making actual bets.
Rather than report these scammers to law enforcement, the extortion gang exploited the situation by threatening to expose them unless they paid hush money. Afraid of legal consequences, the scammers complied with the extortion demands.
On Wednesday, the police dismantled the extortion network, arresting 13 suspects, including seven men and six women aged between 52 and 82. So far, ten victims of the extortion have been identified.
Updates on Macau’s Satellite Casino Closures and Staff Reassignment
In related developments, Tai Kin Ip, the secretary for economy and finance in Macau, provided an update on the ongoing satellite casino shutdowns. He noted that the process is progressing smoothly, with 3,200 casino employees affected, half of whom are being reassigned within the industry.
Additionally, Macau’s chief executive, Sam Hou Fai, has announced government efforts to evaluate how the six casino operators are fulfilling their commitments regarding gaming and non-gaming investments in the region.
