Illegal foreign exchange operation busted in Cotai

The Judiciary Police have arrested a 44-year-old mainland woman for allegedly engaging in illegal foreign exchange operations for gambling purposes. The arrest occurred on Wednesday during a targeted operation at a Cotai hotel.

During the afternoon operation, police officers observed the woman and a male accomplice displaying suspicious behavior at a Cotai casino.

After a period of surveillance, investigators noted a conversation between the two, during which the woman revealed a bank QR code.

The pair subsequently conducted mobile transactions, culminating in the woman handing over gambling chips to the man before they departed.

Investigators discovered that she had approached the man at a nearby casino, offering to exchange money for gambling.

The transaction involved the exchange of HKD20,000 in chips for RMB19,300. Authorities suspect this was part of a broader scheme, as she has reportedly been conducting similar illegal transactions in various casinos and hotels across Macau since January.

In total, authorities estimate that the suspect has profited approximately RMB50,000 from these operations. At the time of her arrest, she was found in possession of HKD100,000 in cash, along with HKD71,400 in gambling chips, all of which were seized as evidence.

The case has been forwarded to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation, and the woman is expected to face charges related to illegal foreign exchange operations.

Officials stated that the total amount seized in the operation was around RMB91,400, although further investigations may refine these figures. VC