• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Features
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Loan shark cases up in 1H in Macau: security chief

Aug 28, 2018 Newsdesk Latest News, Macau, Top of the deck  


Loan shark cases up in 1H in Macau: security chief

Macau’s Judiciary Police recorded a total of 840 suspected gaming-related crimes in the first half of 2018, down by approximately 3 percent when compared to the prior-year period, according to a press briefing held on Tuesday. But the police have seen more gaming-related cases of suspected loan-sharking in the period.

The Macau authorities typically label cases as gaming-related when they take place inside a casino or in its surroundings, but have been spreading their net.

During the first half of this year, the police recorded a total of 254 gaming-related cases of suspected usury – unlawful lending of money and commonly known as loan-sharking. The tally represented a 38-percent increase when compared to the prior-year period, according to Macau’s Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak (pictured in a file photo), who led Tuesday’s press briefing.

A reason for the rise seen in the number of gaming-related cases of suspected loan-sharking had to do with the police initiating more investigations in areas some distance from casino properties but where the suspects were nonetheless thought to be targeting casino gamblers, said Mr Wong.

“These [suspected loansharking] cases had been prevented from evolving into unlawful detentions,” the security official said, referring to situations where the illegal lenders seek to hold a victim captive until they arrange for friends or family members to settle the ‘debt’. He added that some of the loan-sharking suspects had been working in flats. Intelligence gathered from neighbouring residents and property management workers had helped the police in disrupting the alleged criminal operations.

“In the first half of 2018, the police have initiated more investigations against loan-sharking cases, and then successfully dismantled several loan-sharking gangs. That helps combatting gaming-related crimes,” Mr Wong noted to local media.

The Macau security official also stated that illicit gambling websites that pirated Macau casino brands “hurt Macau’s image”, even if such sites had no connection to the city.

The Judiciary Police had investigated and analysed these gambling websites, and had subsequently requested the web hosting companies working outside Macau to block or remove these websites. So far about 90 related websites had been ” blocked or removed”, Mr Wong said on Tuesday.

In the first half of this year, gaming-related cases involving a total of 1,015 suspects had been sent to the city’s Public Prosecutions Office, down by 3.3 percent year-on-year, the security official said.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Alleged online bet op with US$13mln profit busted in Macau
    Alleged online bet op with US$13mln...

    Dec 11, 2020  

  • Gaming-related reported crimes down: Macau govt
    Gaming-related reported crimes down:...

    Nov 27, 2020  

More news
  • Londoner Macao first phase launch Feb 8 says Sands China
    Londoner Macao first phase launch Feb 8...

    Jan 21, 2021  

  • Grand Lisboa Palace backer SJM taps circa US$1bln in notes
    Grand Lisboa Palace backer SJM taps...

    Jan 21, 2021  


Latest News

Londoner Macao first phase launch Feb 8 says Sands China

Londoner Macao first phase launch Feb 8 says Sands China

Jan 21, 2021  

The first phase of the newly-rebranded Macau casino resort the Londoner Macao is to be launched on February 8, the property’s promoter Sands China Ltd, announced on Thursday. The company said the...
Read More
Grand Lisboa Palace backer SJM taps circa US$1bln in notes

Grand Lisboa Palace backer SJM taps circa US$1bln in notes

Jan 21, 2021  

Sands China sixth Macau op to pledge staff extra payment

Sands China sixth Macau op to pledge staff extra payment

Jan 21, 2021  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Partners

Pick of the Day

"Our expansion from 2021 and beyond will create tremendous opportunities to team members”

Francis Lui Yiu Tung

Vice chairman of Macau-based casino operator Galaxy Entertainment



Most Popular

  • CNY 2021 unlikely to boost Macau casinos, say observersCNY 2021 unlikely to boost Macau casinos, say observers January 15, 2021
  • Wynn and Melco also flag bonus for Macau staffWynn and Melco also flag bonus for Macau staff January 19, 2021
  • Casino op MGM China to pay most staff discretionary bonusCasino op MGM China to pay most staff discretionary bonus January 18, 2021
  • Investors see 2H Macau gain, rebound 2022: BernsteinInvestors see 2H Macau gain, rebound 2022: Bernstein January 19, 2021
  • Wakayama casino RFP deadline affirms still 2 suitorsWakayama casino RFP deadline affirms still 2 suitors January 18, 2021
Copyright 2014-2020 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us