The sharp increase was largely attributed to changes in statistical methodology following the implementation of new anti-illegal gambling legislation, rather than an actual deterioration in public security, Chan said.
He explained that the Anti-Illegal Gambling Crime Law, which took effect in October 2024, introduced a new offense of ‘operating illegal currency exchange for gambling purposes’ and prompted police to expand the statistical scope of gaming-related crimes. Previously, fraud cases involving illegal money exchangers outside casinos were often not classified as gaming-related crimes because their link to gambling could not be definitively established. With the criminalization of such activities, all related cases are now included in gaming crime statistics, resulting in a numerical increase.
Despite rising gaming-related crime figures, Chan stressed that Macau’s overall public security situation remains stable. Total criminal cases fell 7.1 percent year-on-year to 10,058 cases during the January to September period. Violent crime, theft, robbery, fraud, and computer-related crimes all recorded declines.
Serious violent crime levels remained particularly low, with 187 cases recorded in the first three quarters, down 11 percent from a year earlier. Cases of kidnapping, homicide, and serious assault continued to register zero or minimal occurrences. Police detained 4,475 individuals during criminal investigations and operations, representing an 8.8 percent increase from 2024.
Chan also addressed concerns about satellite casinos, which are required to cease operations or change their business models by the end of 2025 under the Gaming Law. He said police have stepped up intelligence gathering and risk assessments to prevent any potential negative impact on public security, adding that no suspicious situations have been identified so far.
The secretary highlighted improvements in efforts to combat telecom and cyber fraud, noting that telephone scams, online fraud, and computer fraud cases declined by 45, 285, and 275 cases respectively. However, he warned that fraud methods are evolving, particularly with the emergence of AI deepfake technology, which appeared in Macau for the first time in late April 2025. While the three reported cases resulted in no actual losses, Chan urged continued public vigilance.
At the same press conference, Chan disclosed that, as of November, authorities had confirmed that 11 Macau residents had traveled overseas to engage in illegal activities, including telecom fraud. Of these, two traveled to Cambodia and have since returned safely to Macau, while nine traveled to Taiwan and were detained for criminal offenses, with five still serving sentences. Most of those involved were young people, including one minor, he said.
Dingnews.com 16/12/2025