Macau arrested 42 individuals for illegal currency exchange activities, with police conducting raids near casinos, seizing large amounts of cash and fake transaction evidence, demonstrating a strong determination and effort to combat financial crime.
On March 28, 2025, the Macau Judicial Police arrested 42 individuals involved in two operations targeting unauthorized currency exchange. These arrests took place in jewelry stores and pawnshops near casinos, marking Macau’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling and related criminal activities.
In the first operation, police raided eight jewelry stores and arrested 33 suspects. Authorities indicated that these businesses engaged in currency exchange by fabricating transactions, involving amounts as high as HKD 590 million (approximately USD 75 million), and illegally profited over HKD 20 million (around USD 2.6 million). These illegal transactions not only severely disrupted market order but also posed potential risks to Macau’s financial stability.
Police stated that the arrested suspects employed complex methods to conceal their criminal activities, such as using false transaction documents and forged customer identities to evade regulation. The success of this operation reflects the police’s determination and capability in combatting financial crime.
In the second operation, police arrested nine suspects. These individuals were accused of conducting currency exchanges in pawnshops and private vehicles, employing more covert methods. They were charged with falsely hiring non-resident workers to assist in transferring funds between Macau and mainland China. According to police investigations, this group was involved in exchanges totaling around HKD 200 million (approximately USD 25.7 million) and had earned at least HKD 1 million (around USD 128,600) in illegal income.
Both groups are suspected of collaborating with underground banks, further exacerbating the financial crime risks in the Macau region. During this operation, police seized over HKD 18 million (approximately USD 2.3 million) in cash, along with a large number of fake transaction receipts and electronic devices, which will serve as crucial evidence for prosecution.
The new “Anti-Illegal Gambling Crime Law,” which came into effect in October last year, clearly stipulates that unauthorized currency exchange for gambling purposes, whether inside or outside casinos, is illegal. The implementation of this law aims to enhance supervision over foreign exchange activities related to gambling and ensure the healthy operation of the market. Any foreign exchange activity associated with gambling is considered part of commercial operations and may face legal penalties.
Police stated during this operation that they need to gather solid evidence, such as testimonies from unlicensed currency traders or clients, to prove that these transactions were intended for gambling activities. By strengthening law enforcement, Macau hopes to effectively curb illegal currency exchange practices and maintain social safety and stability.
Macau is a globally renowned gambling hub, attracting a large number of tourists for consumption. However, with the prosperity of the gambling industry, related financial crime phenomena have also become increasingly severe. This police operation not only represents a strong crackdown on criminal activities but also serves as a robust maintenance of public safety and market order. The Macau government will continue to strengthen the implementation of laws and regulations to ensure the transparency and security of the financial market.
With the police’s ongoing efforts, public confidence in Macau’s financial security and social order will grow. The future development of Macau will increasingly rely on the regulated operation of legitimate financial activities and the stringent crackdown on illegal activities.
