Suspect in scam involving false job offers to remain in preventive custody

A local man suspected of running a series of scams involving false job offers will remain in preventive custody while awaiting trial, the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) announced in a statement.

According to the MP, after the preliminary investigation, the judge decided to place the man in preventive custody due to the severity of the charges and the amount involved. The judge also noted that the penal framework for such crimes could pose a risk of the suspect attempting to escape justice.

The case, uncovered by the Judiciary Police (PJ) a few days ago, involves a man who claimed to be in charge of a large construction project in Macau and made false job offers to people from the mainland. He promised to arrange employment for them in exchange for recruitment and reference fees.

The MP also discovered that the same man was involved in five other cases opened by the MP in 2023, using the same modus operandi.

The suspect is believed to have defrauded more than 300 people in a scheme totaling over MOP580,000.

The MP also stated that, under the terms of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Office will continue leading the investigation to uncover all details, amounts, and potential victims.

In the same statement, the MP warned jobseekers to be cautious of job offer scams and to verify the legitimacy of recruitment advertisements carefully.

The MP also specifically addressed concerns for mainland residents: if they wish to work in Macau, they must follow all formal and legal procedures to protect their interests.