The representative of the protesters, surnamed Chan, was interviewed wearing a mask and sunglasses
Roughly 30 enraged Dore Group investors petitioned outside China’s liaison office in Macau yesterday afternoon following the protestors’ failed efforts to initiate a dialogue with the junket over possible losses.
The petitioners chanted slogans, accusing Wynn Macau of collusion with the junket over the embezzlement.
In spite of a statement released by Wynn Macau dismissing any role in the case, the protesters firmly asserted that the episode was actually a result of a “conspiracy” involving both companies.
“They too are partners with the profits shared every quarter. Wynn Macau is even the biggest shareholder,” claimed the picketers representative, surnamed Chan. Nearly all of the protestors were wearing shades and surgical masks.
The protester claimed that he invested more than HKD20 million into the troubled junket operator’s account.
The investors’ attempt to pressure the two groups through the authorities started on Tuesday at the same time, when they appealed for an intervention at the government headquarters.
“Many people here are locals, while others are our mainland compatriots,” said the representative, referring to the petitioners. “I hope the government can help us get back our hard-earned money.”
Last Saturday evening, an initial protest was staged outside the gaming operator’s property after news of the theft surfaced days ago. The investors demanded an immediate response from the Dore Group, which, they professed, has been stonewalling over the issue.
Asked if he previously considered the possible risks associated with such a barely regulated investment model, Chan dodged the issue but kept raising the question of how the authorities should be responsible for their plight given their role as concession granter.
Furthermore, he expressed his anger at the government for its poor oversight over the junket operation inside casinos.
Alongside the petitioners was lawmaker Pereira Coutinho, who was also with the crowd for the Tuesday petition. Coutinho said that the episode laid bare the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau’s inability to live up to its role in supervising the gaming industry. “The government has long neglected works to close loopholes and optimize its oversight,” he said.
As of yesterday, the government was yet to comment on the ongoing dispute. Aries Un
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