12 detained in latest police operation

Under the coordination of the Unitary Police Services (SPU), local police forces joined forces for another “Thunder 2026” operation earlier this week.

According to the authorities, the operation, which inspected 293 individuals, resulted in the detention of 12 people for several crimes, including “illegal currency exchange” (four cases), theft (one case), engaging in prostitution while on tourist visas (four cases), two cases of illegal hawking, and one case suspected of violating employment laws by hiring a person not eligible to work in Macau.

In a statement, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) also added that in one of the cases related to non-residents engaging in prostitution, a woman was found to be overstaying her visa.

During subsequent investigations, two housing units were also found to have been used as illegal accommodations, and the cases will be referred to the tourism authorities for further action.

A total of 77 officers from various police forces participated in the operation, which took place over two consecutive days in the Central, North, and Outer Harbour districts of the Peninsula, as well as Cotai.

The operation, as usual, also included a series of random vehicle inspections, with police stating that no wrongdoing was found.

The SPU said it will continue to closely monitor suspicious activities and launch various operations to tackle suspected illegal activities that could put the safety of residents and tourists at risk.