Four security officers in pretrial detention over alleged Cotai casino protection racket

[Photo: Renato Marques]

Four security officers from a Cotai integrated resort have been placed in pretrial detention over allegations that they formed part of a criminal group involved in demanding payments from individuals suspected of gaming-related offenses, according a statement from the Public Prosecutions Office (MP).

Last week, the Judiciary Police (PJ) arrested 17 people in connection with the case, which has now been transferred to the prosecution authorities for further investigation. The remaining 13 suspects have been subject to other legal enforcement measures.

According to preliminary investigation findings, the group allegedly began operating in early 2025, using their positions as security personnel to collect “protection fees” and “case-handling fees” from individuals involved in illegal gambling activities. In return, they allegedly concealed the offenses and failed to report the cases to police.

The group is suspected of obtaining illicit gains exceeding HKD1.4 million, authorities said.

The Criminal Investigation Court found strong indications that the suspects may have committed multiple offenses, including participation in organized crime, coercion, extortion and shielding others from criminal liability.

The court decided to detain four suspects after considering the alleged seriousness of the crimes, their methods of operation and the risk of them fleeing or continuing similar activities.

The MP said the investigation remains ongoing and reminded integrated resort operators and security personnel to fulfill their responsibilities in maintaining public order and assisting law enforcement. The authorities did not identify the resort operator involved.