Macau and HK Police Dismantle Cross-Border Loan Shark Ring
Police forces from Macau and Hong Kong have successfully dismantled a loan shark network run by a cross-border criminal organization.
Macau & Hong Kong police dismantle loan shark ring that targeted gamblers.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:This network specifically targeted gamblers in Macau, particularly those from Hong Kong. The coordinated effort between the two regions' law enforcement agencies has significantly disrupted the criminal group's operations, ensuring safer gambling environments.
Arrests in Macau and Hong Kong
As reported by Macau news agencies, the Judiciary Police (PJ) confirmed the arrest of a Macau resident and a Hong Kong resident in Macau, while Hong Kong authorities apprehended five individuals in their jurisdiction. The police forces are collaborating to capture the remaining suspects involved in the illicit operation.
The syndicate was uncovered after a victim reported being threatened by one of the suspects, who demanded HKD148,000 (US$18,953.09) in repayment despite the victim initially borrowing only HKD100,000 for gambling. The significant discrepancy between the borrowed amount and the demanded repayment highlighted the predatory practices of the loan shark network. This report led to a deeper investigation, ultimately exposing the extent of the criminal organization's operations and their coercive tactics.
Related: Macau Gaming-Related Crime on the Rise Once More
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Borrowers Forced to Pay Back Double
Investigations revealed that the syndicate had been active for several years in both Macau and Hong Kong, offering loans to gamblers in Macau with a focus on Hong Kong residents. Gamblers who lost their money were covertly transported to Hong Kong and forced to repay double the borrowed amount. Those unable to settle their debts faced threats and extortion.
Recent discussions have highlighted cross-border crimes, especially between Macau, Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area (GBA), following previous crackdowns on syndicates involved in money laundering, human trafficking, illegal gambling, and other crimes.
In a related effort, Macau’s DICJ has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed junkets, with some still operating despite earlier arrests and convictions of former junket operators and managers.
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