The Judiciary Police (PJ) hosted their annual press meeting at the PJ headquarters in Zape yesterday, where they presented the data of their work in 2025.
The one-hour meeting was chaired by PJ Director Sit Chong Meng.
According to last year’s PJ data, there were three murder cases in 2025, which happened on June 13, August 18 and November 13. The causes of the cases were a family dispute between a married couple, a financial dispute between brothers, and relationship issues between two women respectively.
In 2024, Macau recorded just one murder case.
Sit said during the meeting that in 2025, the number of criminal cases amounted to 14,308, compared to 14,049 in 2024, representing an increase of 1.84 percent. Sit also said that the number of criminal investigation cases concluded in 2025 was 15,718, a rise of 22.26 percent from the 12,856 cases concluded in 2024.
Sit pointed out that the number of gaming-related crimes increased from 3,512 cases in 2024 to 4,614 cases in 2025. Specifically, criminal cases directly associated with gambling activities numbered 2,314, representing an increase of 62.6 percent compared to 2024, according to Sit, adding that the primary reason for the rise was the increase in case files for illegal currency exchange activities. From October 2024, when such activities were officially criminalised, to the end of 2025, according to Sit, a total of 567 illegal currency exchange cases were cracked, involving cash and casino chips worth over HK$94 million (96.8 million patacas).
Sit said that in 2025, the number of offenders under the age of 16 was 13, with the youngest aged only 10, adding that the latter’s case involved violation of privacy. Sit did not elaborate.
The total number of offences committed by individuals aged 16 to 18 was 31, representing a decrease of two cases compared to 2024, Sit said.
Regarding crimes against sexual freedom and sexual self-determination last year, the number of rape cases was 32, representing a decrease of 16 cases compared to 2024, according to Sit, who added that cases of sexual abuse against children increased by 11, reaching a total of 26 cases.
Among other offences against sexual freedom, Sit said there were six cases of sexual abuse against a person incapable of resistance and one case of indecent exposure. Regarding other offences against sexual self-determination, there were 10 cases of sexual intercourse with a minor and two cases of procuring an underage person for prostitution, Sit said.
Sit told reporters on the sidelines that although the overall number of crimes in 2025 showed an increase, there was a downward trend in serious crimes. Among these, telecom and online scam cases decreased last year, Sit pointed out. He also underlined the particular attention that the public should pay to the risk of investment scams, which resulted in a total loss of about 300 million patacas last year, adding that the victims are mostly highly educated individuals or corporate management personnel.
Sit said that, consequently, the Judiciary Police have strengthened targeted anti-fraud awareness campaigns directed at financial institutions and other enterprises.
Regarding last July’s national security case, Sit said that the evidence was substantial.
Sit did not name the suspect. However, media reports at that time identified former lawmaker Au Kam San as a person of interest in the case.
As the case has already entered the litigation phase, relevant details will not be disclosed, Sit said, adding that the Judiciary Police place significant emphasis on national security work. He also said that if any indications or signs endangering national security or violating the National Security Law are detected, the Judiciary Police will certainly launch an investigation. If sufficient evidence is gathered, arrests will be made, according to Sit.
Judiciary Police (PJ) Director Sit Chong Meng talk to reporters at the PJ headquarters in Zape yesterday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
