Macau Police Bust Illegal Casino Currency Operation

Macau’s Judiciary Police have arrested three local men over an illicit mobile money-exchange operation targeting casino patrons. The group allegedly offered unauthorized currency conversions near gaming venues, bypassing legal channels.

Crackdown Under New Regulations
The arrests follow Macau’s Law on Illegal Gambling Activities, which came into force in October 2024. The legislation criminalizes unauthorized money exchanges for gambling, with penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment. Authorities are actively shutting down operations exploiting regulatory gaps.

Operation Overview
The suspects, aged 27, 44, and 54, reportedly operated from a vehicle near Cotai casino parking areas. The 44-year-old provided funding and the vehicle, while the other two solicited gamblers and handled mobile-based transactions, converting electronic payments into cash or chips.

Financial Scope and Evidence
Police estimate the group processed around RMB11 million (US$1.5 million) in illegal exchanges since January 2025, generating roughly HK$330,000 (US$42,000) in profit. Investigators seized the vehicle and mobile phones linked to the operation for further evidence.

Next Steps
The case has been handed to Macau’s Public Prosecutions Office. Charges focus on illegal currency exchanges for gambling, testing authorities’ enforcement of the new legislation and their commitment to combating financial crimes in the gaming sector.