QR code scam: Macau woman detained for running illegal exchange
Macau Judiciary Police detained a mainland Chinese woman in her 50s for suspected involvement in unauthorised currency exchange operations at a 바카라 on the Cotai Strip. The arrest, which took place on 21 July 2025, came after officers from the Judiciary Police conducted a routine patrol of the area.
The woman, surnamed Guo, was observed by police engaging with two male gamblers in the shopping zone of a hotel connected to a 바카라. According to media outlet Macao Daily, surveillance footage captured Guo showing a QR code on her mobile phone to one of the men, who then scanned it using his own device. She subsequently handed over HK$30,000 (approx. €3,530) in cash before walking away. The two men were later seen entering the 바카라.
All three individuals were apprehended by officers at around 12:30 PM. During questioning, Guo reportedly refused to cooperate.
Admission by male gamblers
However, one of the male gamblers admitted that he had exchanged RMB 28,200 (approx. €3,580) for the HK$30,000 (approx. €3,530) through Guo’s arrangement — a transaction that did not go through any licensed exchange platform.
Officers recovered HK$25,900 (approx. €3,050) in cash from the two men, which they believe was unused gambling money. A further search of Guo’s belongings revealed HK$160,000 (approx. €18,850) and RMB 60,000 (approx. €7,610), as well as a mobile phone suspected to have been used to facilitate the unauthorised transactions.
Authorities suspect Guo has been conducting these informal currency exchanges since early July, operating without any form of licensing or authorisation. From this particular transaction, it is estimated that she profited approximately RMB 750 (approx. €95) — a small margin, but one that highlights the nature of such low-risk, high-volume operations often seen in 바카라 precincts.
The case has now been transferred to Macau’s Public Prosecutions Office. Prosecutors will pursue charges under laws related to illegal gambling and unauthorised financial activities.
Illegal currency trade common in Macau
Illegal currency exchange operations are not uncommon in Macau, particularly within the 바카라 environment. Mainland Chinese citizens often face strict capital controls and limits on the amount of money they can legally transfer out of China. As a result, many high-stakes gamblers turn to underground “money changers” for fast and convenient access to Hong Kong dollars or other foreign currencies, thereby avoiding regulatory scrutiny.
These shadow operations often involve mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay or Alipay, where QR codes are used to transfer money from the gambler’s mainland account to the exchanger, who then provides the same amount in cash.
Although these exchanges are popular because they are quick and involve little paperwork, they are still illegal and can put both the exchanger and the gambler at risk of legal trouble. Recently, Macau’s Judiciary Police have increased their efforts to crack down on financial crimes related to the city’s vibrant gambling scene.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether Guo was operating independently or as part of a broader underground network. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests in the coming days.
