Macau police arrest 14 over alleged casino protection racket

Macau's Judiciary Police (PJ) have dismantled an alleged protection racket operating at a Cotai casino. Police said 14 suspects were arrested for allegedly using threats and coercion to extort money from gamblers and individuals suspected of criminal activity.

According to investigators, the group had been active for at least one year and is believed to have collected no less than HK$1.4m through the scheme.

Among those arrested were two casino security managers, one security supervisor, six security department employees and five intermediaries. Ten of the suspects are men and four are women, while 12 of the 14 are Macau residents.

Police allege the operation was led by a 66-year-old security manager surnamed Pang, who coordinated the group's activities. Other casino security staff were allegedly involved in identifying targets and pressuring them into making payments, while the intermediaries handled communications, negotiated sums and delivered the money.

Investigators said the operation initially involved direct contact between casino security personnel and individuals suspected of offences such as theft, fraud and other gambling-related crimes. To reduce the risk of detection, the group later changed its methods by using intermediaries to approach targets after receiving photographs and identifying information from security staff. 

Victims were typically asked to pay around MOP10,000 (US$1,238) in exchange for avoiding further action. In some cases, the suspects allegedly demanded additional "case-handling fees" ranging from MOP5,000 to MOP40,000.

During coordinated raids at the Cotai casino and several residential properties, officers seized 24 mobile phones, more than HK$200,000 in cash and assets valued at approximately HK$130,000.

The PJ said the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have so far identified seven mainland Chinese nationals as witnesses and believe the number of victims could exceed 30 as inquiries continue.