Four individuals have been arrested in Macau for allegedly operating a jewellery shop that provided illegal cash-out services to gamblers, according to Macao Daily. Police reported that the business handled approximately HK$27 million in transactions since the city’s new anti-illegal gambling law came into effect last year.

The arrests stemmed from a casino dispute that brought the scheme to light. Investigators said a 49-year-old mainland Chinese man, identified by the surname Wai, introduced an elderly gambler to a moneylender who suggested using a jewellery purchase as a method to obtain cash.

The gambler used a credit card to make payments totaling RMB 41,495 (US$5,700) at the shop in exchange for HK$43,000 in cash, which was then used for gambling—and quickly lost. A subsequent transfer of RMB 50,000 to the gambler’s account for another cash-out attempt led to a disagreement and police involvement. The matter was later referred to the Judiciary Police.

During a raid on the jewellery shop, officers discovered the manager and two sales staff processing yet another cash-out transaction. Authorities confiscated a money-counting machine, MOP 436,000 (US$54,000) in cash, and HK$400 in gaming chips. Another employee was arrested the next day for refusing to cooperate.

Police stated that the shop had been operating since previous February and was officially registered as a jewellery business. However, its primary activity allegedly involved converting card transactions into cash for gamblers. Investigators estimate the operation earned at least HK$540,000 in profit.

The case has been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for charges related to illegal gambling-linked lending and unlawful currency exchange. Authorities said further suspects are still being sought.