Police arrest two in separate gambling-linked crimes

The Judiciary Police (PJ) have arrested two suspects in separate cases linked to illegal gambling activities, seizing assets worth more than HKD100,000.

Authorities detailed that the first arrest followed a patrol operation last Wednesday targeting illegal currency exchanges in the ZAPE district.

The first case involved a suspicious transaction near a casino involving a 34-year-old mainland Chinese man surnamed Wang, who claimed to be unemployed.

Police said Wang used a mobile phone to verify a transfer before handing over HKD2,000 in cash in exchange for RMB1,850 at an exchange rate of 0.925. The recipient, a non-local middle-aged woman, entered the casino and converted the cash into chips, ultimately losing the entire amount.

Investigators determined Wang was aware the funds would be used for gambling but proceeded with the transaction.

Later, a search uncovered HKD25,000 in cash, casino vouchers valued at HKD80,000, and a mobile phone.

In a separate case, police arrested a woman surnamed Wu, also in her thirties and not a Macau resident, over an alleged fraud involving counterfeit gold items.

The case began in the early hours of June 25, when a male gambler agreed to purchase a gold chain and bracelet from Wu for HKD65,000 in casino chips after inspecting only part of the jewelry at a pawn shop. Police said Wu allegedly swapped the items with fakes before completing the deal.

After losing his chips, the victim attempted to pawn the items and was informed they had no value. He reported the incident to casino security.

Wu was detained when she re-entered the casino on June 27. Police recovered a genuine gold bracelet and a mobile phone. The case has been forwarded for further investigation.