Macau's Judicial Police recently dismantled a cross-border crime ring involved in the distribution of counterfeit casino chips, culminating in the apprehension of five suspects from mainland China. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 585 counterfeit chips, each valued at HK$10,000 ($1,280), totaling HK$5.85 million ($750,000).
The crackdown was prompted by a report from a Cotai casino, alerting authorities to a customer who attempted to exchange counterfeit chips for cash. Subsequent investigation revealed a sophisticated operation wherein the suspects transported counterfeit chips from mainland China to Macau, utilizing them for illicit gambling activities within casinos.
Authorities emphasized the striking realism of the seized counterfeit chips, underscoring the challenges in distinguishing them from genuine ones without specialized equipment.
