Macau Sees Spike in Gambling-Related Crimes Amid Stable Overall Case Numbers in 2024–25

Macau’s criminal case filings remained substantial during the 2024–25 judicial year, with a significant rise in offences connected to gambling activities, Prosecutor General Tong Hio Fong revealed in the Public Prosecutions Office’s annual report.

According to Macao Daily, a total of 15,176 criminal cases were recorded, reflecting a slight 2% decrease compared with the previous year. Yet gambling-related offences surged to 760 cases, representing an increase of nearly 134%. This sharp rise is largely attributed to the formal criminalisation of so-called “money-changing gangs,” which alone accounted for 410 cases.

Tong highlighted that, despite continuous crackdowns, these illegal operations have adapted and become more discreet over time. He called on the Government to intensify public awareness campaigns, particularly aimed at visitors, to discourage engagement with unlicensed currency exchange services and safeguard both Macau’s public security and financial stability.

During the year, the Public Prosecutions Office concluded 15,204 cases, an increase of 10.7%. Of these, 3,766 cases proceeded to prosecution while 11,113 were archived. Prosecutors also intervened in over 1,000 family and juvenile protection cases, marking a 13% increase compared with the prior year.

Tong praised judicial officers and staff for their unwavering commitment amid demanding workloads, stating that their professionalism “demonstrated the resilience of Macau’s judicial system.”

He further drew attention to the persistent challenge posed by drug-related offences, noting that while overall case numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, cross-border trafficking and synthetic drug use are on the rise. Tong emphasised the importance of strengthening enforcement measures and expanding community education initiatives, particularly among young people, to foster a drug-free society.

By fLEXI tEAM