Macau grapples with gaming crime spike, STR surge before lunar new year
Macaus Judiciary Police (PJ) have reported a significant in gaming-related crimes in 2024, with 1,423 cases recorded. At a pre-Chinese New Year briefing, officials revealed that incidents of illegal gambling loans had risen to 252, while unlawful detentions stood at 47. While these figures exceeded 2023 levels, they remained below the pre-pandemic numbers of 2019.
The PJ attributed the uptick to Macaus booming gaming sector, which has seen a surge in activity with the easing of pandemic restrictions. To address the issue, the PJ has strengthened collaboration with the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and 바카라 operators, implementing enhanced security measures in and around 바카라 zones.
Telephonic fraud cases see decline
These efforts aim to safeguard Macaus tourism and gaming hub, particularly as it prepares for the high-traffic Chinese New Year period. Following the introduction of laws criminalising illegal money exchanges for gaming purposes in October 2023, the PJ launched targeted operations against money laundering syndicates.?
Coordinated with Mainland Chinas Ministry of Public Security, these efforts resulted in 120 arrests and the seizure of over MOP 11 million (1.34 million) in cash and gaming chips.
While gaming-related crimes have risen, Macau has also seen changes in telecommunications and online fraud trends. In 2024, telephone fraud cases dropped by 13 percent, with 354 incidents reported.
However, online fraud cases increased by 4 percent, reflecting a more moderate rise compared to the previous year, when the growth rate was 42.8 percent. Officials attributed this slowdown to heightened public awareness stemming from years of anti-fraud campaigns.
Officials worried by STR spike
However, suspicious transactions still continue to worry officials. Macaus Financial Intelligence Office (GIF) reported a record-breaking 3,837 suspicious transaction reports (STRs) from gaming operators in 2024, marking an 11.8 percent increase year-on-year.?
Gaming operators accounted for 73.2 percent of the total 5,245 STRs filed citywide, which represented a 13.7 percent rise compared to 2023. This figure is the highest annual total since the GIFs establishment in 2006.
The GIF, now integrated into Macaus Unitary Police Service, referred 142 of these reports to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation. Authorities believe these figures highlight the ongoing risks of money laundering and illicit activities tied to Macaus gaming industry, which remains a vital component of the regions economy.
As Macau gears up for the Chinese New Year celebrations, officials continue to focus on tightening security measures and enhancing regulatory oversight to protect the citys reputation as a leading global gaming destination.
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