Macau’s Illegal Gaming Law came into effect on Tuesday with Macau’s Judiciary Police (PJ) subsequently confirming it had made its first arrests two arrests of money exchange gang members on the very same day.
The new law criminalizes money exchange gangs, with any person who operates illegal exchange activities for the purpose of gambling now facing up to five years in prison.
During an inspection of a casino in Macau on Tuesday, officers found two individuals from the mainland persuading gamblers to exchange money, and immediately investigated. Police seized HK$51,300 in chips and a mobile phone used for the exchange, stating that there was sufficient evidence to show the duo was engaging in unlawful currency exchange.
They were arrested under Section 11 of the Illegal Gaming Law – Illegal Exchange of Money for the Purpose of Gambling – and handed over to the Prosecutor’s Office for follow up.
At a press conference, the PJ pointed out that the activities of money exchange gangs are already a criminal offense, and the provision of money exchange business in casinos or surrounding facilities is presumed to be for the purpose of gambling.
It stressed that residents and tourists should only exchange money at legitimate financial institutions and should not do so through money exchange gangs.
