A local man and a man from the mainland were arrested on Thursday for defrauding a casino out of a total of HK$1.76 million (1.81 million patacas), Judiciary Police (PJ) spokesman Chao Teng Hin said during a regular press conference yesterday.
Chao identified the suspects as a 25-year-old local male surnamed Wan who worked as a dealer in the casino from 2023 until last month, and a 38-year-old mainlander surnamed Yang who told the police that he’s jobless.
According to Chao, the police received a report on Wednesday from a casino in Cotai about a former employee, Wan, who had resigned recently, saying that they suspected him of conspiring with a gambler, Yang, to defraud the casino during his employment.
Chao noted that between May 25 and June 7, while working at the baccarat table, Wan colluded with Yang on seven occasions. Yang approached Wan’s table and waited until there were no other players or casino staff present. Yang placed bets ranging from HK$5,000 to HK$15,000 after Wan showed the results, allowing him to win between HK$110,000 and HK$330,000. Despite knowing that Yang placed his bets after the cards were revealed, Wan still gave the corresponding winnings to him, resulting in a total loss of HK$1.76 million for the casino.
The police apprehended Wan in the northern district and arrested Yang at a casino in Zape. The police seized a mobile phone from Wan, along with two mobile phones and HK$10,000 in cash from Yang.
Under questioning, the suspects admitted to defrauding the casino because both wanted to recoup their gambling losses. They told the police that they split the HK$1.76 million between them and claimed that they had already gambled away all the money.
The duo have been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP), each facing a fraud charge.
Judiciary Police (PJ) spokesman Chao Teng Hin looks on during yesterday’s regular press conference. – Photo: Ada Lei
