A couple have been arrested for borrowing money from strangers on the streets by claiming that they would return the money to the lenders, Public Security Police (PSP) spokesman Lam Keong said in a regular press conference yesterday.
The suspects are mainlanders surnamed Wu, a 41-year-old male, and Huang, a 39-year-old female. They told the police they’re jobless.
According to Lam, police officers on Sunday noticed the two individuals approaching and soliciting passersby near Rua Central. Later, officers who were tailing them saw the duo approach a passerby near Nam Van Lake. After a conversation, the passerby handed over a 100-pataca note to the couple, who were immediately intercepted by the officers.
The victim told the police that the couple claimed to urgently need money for a taxi ride to the airport due to gambling losses. Lam noted that Huang and Wu also promised to exchange WeChat contacts to facilitate repayment in the future.
Upon questioning, Wu admitted to the offence but Huang denied the accusation. Lam noted that they had only successfully scammed one victim.
The duo have been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP), facing fraud charges, Lam said.
This undated photo provided by the Public Security Police (PSP) yesterday shows PSP officers escorting the mainland couple to a police station.
