In response to the criminalization of money exchange gangs, which came into effect in October 2024, there were 567 gaming crimes in Macau in the first quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 216 cases or 61.5% over the same period in 2024.
Among the various types of gaming-related crimes in the first quarter of the year were 152 fraud cases, accounting for 26.8% of the total, followed by 132 cases of “unlawful exchange” accounting for 23.3% of the total. There were also 51 cases of loansharking, accounting for 9% of the total.
The Secretary for Security pointed out that the 132 cases of “unlawful exchange” in the first quarter accounted for more than 60% of the year-on-year increase in the number of new gaming-related offences, which is believed to be the main reason for the increase in the number of related crimes. At the same time, the police have adjusted the statistical standards for gaming-related offences after the Act came into effect, so that the scope of such offences has been expanded.
However, the 251 money exchange gangs that were intercepted by police in various operations in the first quarter represented decrease of 1,041 or 80.6% compared to the same period last year.
In addition, in the first quarter of this year, Guangdong and Macau police worked together to crack down on criminal syndicates, including a number of gaming-related cases, which led to an increase in crime figures.
The Secretary for Security said, “The 11.1% increase in visitor arrivals in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year may also bring more uncertainties affecting law and order in our society”.
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