Crime | PJ storms 19 flats equipped with mobile base stations at Border Gate

The suspects are accused of involvement in illegal betting and organized crime

The IT Crimes Division of the Judiciary Police stormed 19 flats located near the Border Gate checkpoint and found equipment used to send gaming-related messages to people who enter or depart Macau, especially among those using 2G mobiles and mobiles with roaming service activated. Nine suspects – hailing from mainland China and Taiwan – were detained during Sunday’s operation.
According to TDM, the group sent “millions” of short text messages (SMS) by operating frequency simulators by interfering with mobile signals. After successfully interfering with the mobile network, the simulator would then send messages to the victims.
A PJ spokesperson said yesterday that the nine detainees are suspected of involvement in illegal betting and organized crime rings. The rings pay them around one or two cents to send the messages. The suspects told the police that they earned between MOP3,000 and 8,000. They have operated the frequency simulators for at least the last six months.
Authorities previously stated that they had received complaints from recipients of gaming-related messages when crossing the border. The Personal Data Protection Office (GPDP) said it was investigating the matter.
Those leading the operation announced yesterday that this is not the first of its kind to be undertaken by Macau authorities. In November, PJ, in collaboration with the Public Security Department of Zhuhai and the Macau Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation, launched an operation against a fake mobile base station at the Border Gate district, taking four men into custody.
During that operation, PJ found 29 computers, 19 simulators and 30 groups of antennas. The authority indicated that other fake base stations are in operation, as has been confirmed now.
The difference is that, according to the PJ spokesperson, the technology used this time was far more advanced and “capable of making 3G network phones work in 2G.”
The PJ said it is currently looking for the flat owners whose residences were inspected comprehensively during an operation lasting 13 hours.  PB

MGTO clarifies it has sent SMS about game with awards

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) confirmed yesterday that it has initiated the dissemination of mobile phone messages through CTM to its subscribers regarding a game allowing people to win prizes. MGTO issued a statement following “the spread of rumors today on social media networks regarding a mobile phone SMS game with awards organized as part of ‘Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Ram.’” The text message reads: “MGTO will hold the ‘Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram’ on 21/2/2015, please insert the code and reply to 66016383 to choose ‘My Favorite Local Performing Team,’ to win the attractive prizes.”