Woman Arrested in Macau for Exchanging Currency for Casino Players

^{Pictured: Chips and a phone were confiscated by Judiciary Police}

A 37-year-old unemployed woman from Macau has been arrested, suspected of running an illegal currency exchange operation near a casino on the Cotai Strip, The Macao Post Daily reported.

Law enforcement officials apprehended the woman, identified by her surname Chou, during a Judiciary Police surveillance operation close to a casino. Officers reportedly observed Chou acting suspiciously with a male gambler. Subsequently, the two were seen exchanging a QR code; the gambler then transferred funds to Chou and, in return, received HK$45,000 (approximately $5,700) in casino chips. Both individuals were detained as they attempted to enter the casino.

As per law enforcement, the search uncovered another HK$58,300 ($7,400) in chips and a mobile phone in Chou’s possession. The male gambler was found with HK$30,000 ($3,800) in chips, having lost HK$15,000 ($1,900) shortly after the alleged exchange.

Authorities determined that the parties had agreed to convert ¥42,750 for HK$45,000 in chips, giving Chou a margin of ¥750 (around $104) on the transaction.

Police further allege that she had been operating similar unauthorized exchanges since November of the previous year, accumulating illegal profits totaling ¥90,000 (approximately $12,500).

The suspect has been charged under statutes prohibiting unlawful currency transactions for gambling-related purposes. She has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further legal proceedings.