Suncity Group, the former prominent junket company in Macau, took to Facebook to reflect on its contributions to the city amidst ongoing legal challenges faced by its former executives.
Alvin Chau, the former CEO of Suncity Group, was sentenced to 18 years in prison following a trial in 2022-2023 centered around under-the-table betting and illicit online gaming operations.
The company itself terminated its operations in the Macau SAR after the arrests of its management, with its assets auctioned by authorities to pay for compensation demands.
However, the group’s remaining Facebook page has suddenly issued a heartfelt post – the first since November 2021 – in which the Suncity Group addressed former colleagues and friends, reflecting on its connection to Macau and contributions to the city.
“It’s been over two years already! This period, neither too long nor too short, has been enough for me to thoroughly reflect on the past 16 years or so,” the post stated.
The post highlighted the company’s deep roots in Macau, emphasizing its founder’s dedication to the city’s growth and development since establishing Suncity Group in 2007. “Macau is my home and my roots!” the post declared, underscoring the founder’s lifelong commitment to enhancing the city’s global standing.
Suncity Group detailed its “extensive efforts” to promote Macau as a leading entertainment and cultural hub, stating that over the years, the company has organized and sponsored over 50 major concerts and performances, and heavily invested in promoting Macau as a premier tourism destination.
Key sponsored events include the Macau Grand Prix, the Macau International Film Festival, the Wushu Masters Challenge, and the Miss Macau pageant.
“Additionally, Suncity Group has been a strong supporter of social welfare and sports development in Macau. The company has made significant charitable donations, established the Suncity volunteer team, and founded several sports teams, including football, basketball, and dragon boat teams. The Youth Inspiration Association, another initiative by the company, aims to nurture the city’s young talent,” the post read.
“The only reason I have contributed so much to Macau is because I truly love this place!” it read.
The post resembles an “open letter” issued by Chau to President Xi Jinping, pleading for a reduction in the 18-year prison sentence imposed by the Court of First Instance in January.
In a recent development, Macau’s Court of Final Appeal rejected Chau’s appeal, upholding his 18-year sentence.
Eight other co-appellants also had their appeals denied. The court maintained the original sentences of between 9 and 18 years for Si Tou Chi Hou, Cheung Yat Ping Ellute, Ali Celestino, Cheong Chi Kin, Chau Chun Hee, Lou Seak Fong, Wong Pak Ling Philip, and Leong Su Weng.
The prosecution’s appeal for harsher sentences was also rejected. The defendants are now required to pay a total of HKD24.865 billion (MOP25.61 billion/US$3.18 billion) to the Macau SAR, as stipulated under the new ruling.
In January 2023 the Hong Kong-listed Suncity group entity was rebranded as LET Group, with Andrew Lo Kai Bang, a former executive in Suncity appointed as its chairman.
LET holds a nearly 70 percent stake in Summit Ascent, responsible for managing hotel and gaming businesses within the Integrated Entertainment Zone located in the Primorye Region of the Russian Federation.
