A 43-year-old Indonesian domestic helper faces charges of profiteering and illegally withholding documents after allegedly lending MOP170,000 to about 60 non-residents since 2024. The suspect is believed to have pocketed MOP90,000 in interest, the Judiciary Police (PJ) announced yesterday.
Police arrested the woman Tuesday following a Public Security Police (PSP) referral on Jan. 16.
Loans typically ranged from MOP500 to MOP5,000 for cash emergencies among non-residents.
According to the PJ, one victim borrowed a total of MOP4,000 from the suspect between October and November 2024 for urgent medical expenses. The suspect seized his passport as collateral and demanded 20% monthly interest.
Recently, the victim approached the suspect to retrieve his passport for a job-related matter. The suspect refused the victim’s request, prompting the victim to file a police report.
Upon arresting the woman, the PJ uncovered that she was holding identification documents from over 50 victims, including 51 Indonesian passports and one blue card.
Authorities stated that they have contacted four victims and are in the process of tracing the others.
The case has been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation. NS
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