Fraud suspects turned extortion victims, losing at least HKD800,000 in total

In an investigation of a gambling fraud case, the Judiciary Police (PJ) uncovered an extortion scheme in which a gang coerced 10 scammers into paying cash to prevent exposure, leading to the arrest of a 13-member extortion ring linked to 35 cases, with losses ranging from HKD2,500 to HKD4,000.

The extortion scheme was uncovered during a June investigation by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) into a fraud operation at a casino.

In this scheme, 10 victims pretended to place bets on behalf of gamblers using fake gestures, allowing them to appropriate the betting funds for themselves and defraud the gamblers.

According to the police, members of the extortion gang subsequently approached these victims, demanding “hush money” after witnessing their successful scams. They threatened to report the victims to casino security, prompting them to comply out of fear of criminal prosecution.

Police dismantled the gang on Wednesday, comprising members aged 52 to 82 from Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland China. PJ spokesman Ho Wai Lok stated at a press conference yesterday, “Each extortion demand ranged from several hundred HKD, with criminal activities persisting since the beginning of the year. The proceeds were primarily used for personal consumption and gambling,” noting that illicit gains from casinos in Macau and Cotai reached at least HKD800,000.

The police also reported that a separate fraud investigation has been initiated involving 10 victims linked to the case.

Longtime friend caught stealing from victim

At yesterday’s press conference, police also announced the arrest of a local woman on Tuesday in connection with a theft case involving stolen gold jewelry and valuables worth approximately MOP500,000. The incident occurred in the Areia Preta area, and the suspect is believed to be a roommate and longtime friend of the victim.

Investigations revealed that the suspect repeatedly stole jewelry and gold items hidden under the victim’s bed between May 7 and December 24 last year, replacing them with counterfeit gold purchased online. The suspect committed at least 11 thefts, illegally profiting around HKD160,000, which she claimed was used for daily expenses and gaming top-ups.

According to supplementary police records, the victim had been living with the suspect after divorcing her husband. The stolen gold items included wedding gifts from relatives and friends, which the victim only noticed were missing when she discovered the counterfeit replacements on November 24.

Meanwhile, among the three cases announced, one involved illegal currency exchange, leading to the arrest of a local female manager and a female employee from a jewelry store inside a casino in ZAPE. The illegal exchange involved at least HKD70 million, generating over HKD2 million in proceeds.