Three mainland men accused of robbing illegal money changer

Two mainland Chinese men have been charged with robbery after allegedly luring an illegal money changer to a hotel room in Cotai and stealing HKD150,000 worth of gaming chips, according to the Judiciary Police.

The suspects, surnamed Chen and Zhou, are 35 and 37, respectively, and both reported being unemployed. A third suspect allegedly involved in the robbery fled Macau and returned to mainland China.

Police received a report on Sept. 10 after the victim, who was engaged in illegal currency exchange activities in Macau, was approached by the third suspect at about 10 p.m. and invited to a hotel room for a currency exchange transaction.

Once inside, the victim’s cellphone was allegedly taken. When he attempted to leave, Chen and Zhou, who had been waiting in the room, blocked the door and threatened him.

Fearing for his safety, the victim handed over HKD150,000 worth of gaming chips. Zhou allegedly returned the cellphone but warned the victim not to report the incident to police.

After leaving the room, the victim attempted to seek police assistance but was allegedly stopped again by the three suspects. They threatened to report his illegal currency-exchange activities if he called police.

The victim insisted on reporting the case. The suspects then allegedly agreed to accompany him to the Judiciary Police station, intending to accuse the victim of illegal activity and confuse the investigation.

One suspect fled before reaching the station and later left Macau for the mainland.

Police arrested Chen and Zhou and recovered the HKD150,000 worth of gaming chips from Zhou. Their cellphones were also seized.

The two men were referred to prosecutors on suspicion of robbery. Police are continuing to investigate the whereabouts of the third suspect.

The victim’s alleged illegal currency-exchange activities will be investigated separately.