A joint operation by Macau, Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities has dismantled an illegal gambling syndicate, with 93 people arrested, including 11 key figures behind the racket.
According to the Judiciary Police, the operation resulted in the seizure of more than MOP8 million (US$1 million) in cash.
More than half of those arrested were detained in Macau, with four of them allegedly running an illegal gambling den in northern Macau.
The ring is believed to have been active since 2016, with no less than MOP1 billion involved.
The two masterminds are locals, both aged 33, and the nine core members range from 29 to 47 in age.
According to the authorities, one of them works for the government as a customs officer and is now facing disciplinary action.
The syndicate was discovered during a money laundering case in 2022. Four members were found to be involved in illicit gambling.
Police investigators found that the group had used overseas servers for the online betting site they had set up, taking bets on football and basketball games.
Higher odds were touted to attract punters with the help of agents working around the clock, the authorities said.
The arrests were made at a number of flats on the peninsula, Cotai and in Coloane.
Meanwhile, 42 mainland Chinese were arrested in Guangdong with illegal bets worth around RMB80 million.
