Two arrested for illegal money exchange in casinos

The Judiciary Police (PJ) yesterday arrested two men for engaging in illegal currency exchange activities, seizing more than MOP120,000 in cash, gaming chips, and related items.

One suspect, surnamed Lok, 33, is a local resident, while the other, surnamed Wong, 34, is from mainland China.

Both men are unemployed and were transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation on suspicion of operating unlawful money exchange for gambling purposes.

The first case occurred yesterday morning when PJ officers patrolling a Cotai casino observed Wong approaching a female gambler to offer an exchange. She transferred RMB9,370 via a QR code in return for HKD10,000 in gaming chips.

Officers intervened shortly after, seizing HKD47,000 in cash, HKD27,700 in chips, and a mobile phone.

Investigators believe Wong has been conducting illegal exchanges since July, profiting about HKD35,000.

Later at noon, PJ officers in a Nam Van casino hotel found Lok negotiating with a mainland gambler.

After the gambler transferred RMB9,400 via QR code, Lok provided HKD10,000 in cash. Police seized HKD32,000, MOP8,800, HKD6,000 in chips, and a mobile phone. Lok is suspected of earning RMB18,000 since mid-July.

The cases remain under investigation.