The Judiciary Police (PJ) have arrested three suspects involved in a “buying agent” scam syndicate that defrauded victims of about 118 million patacas, PJ spokesman Cheong Kim Fong said during a special press conference yesterday.
Cheong identified the three suspects as Tan, a 45-year-old mainland woman and former supermarket owner who claimed to be jobless; Iek, a 35-year-old local driver; and Ip, a 55-year-old local woman who also claimed to be unemployed.
According to Cheong, the Judiciary Police received reports from 11 victims between May and September, including 10 local residents and one non-resident worker (NRW). Their reported losses ranging from 136,000 patacas to 92 million patacas.
Cheong noted that the investigation found Tan had allegedly been involved in the scam since 2019. She had previously run a supermarket in the northern district and used products including ginseng, cordyceps (冬蟲夏草)*, and mooncakes to attract customers.
In the largest fraud case, the victim ordered 20,000 to 30,000 jars of cordyceps worth 92 million patacas, Cheong said.
Cheong said Tan provided small purported “profits” and delivered goods to build victims’ trust before employing several schemes. These included staging fake large-volume orders in WeChat groups with Ip, claiming that victims could make high returns through joint investments with friends and relatives, and offering goods at low prices to persuade victims to place additional orders.
The suspects would subsequently delay or refuse to deliver the goods or issue refunds, defrauding supermarkets, retailers, and buying-agent businesses.
The investigation showed that the proceeds were deposited into eight Macau bank accounts before being transferred elsewhere. Nearly 50 million patacas were allegedly used by Tan for personal spending, while some of the money was transferred to unidentified mainland accounts with Iek’s assistance.
Police apprehended Tan and Ip at the Barrier Gate checkpoint on Monday and Tuesday respectively, and summoned Iek for questioning on Tuesday. Officers seized four smartphones during the investigation.
The suspects were transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) yesterday, each facing charges of fraud involving a considerable amount, money laundering, and organised crime membership.
Cheong added that the Judiciary Police will continue to trace the remaining criminal proceeds.
*Cordyceps is a prestigious tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to tonify the kidney and lung meridians, boost vital energy (Qi), and restore overall stamina. Highly valued and expensive, it is prized for its health-boosting and immune-enhancing properties, making it both a popular luxury gift and a high-value commodity. - Gemini
Judiciary Police (PJ) officers escort the three hooded suspects, facing fraud, money laundering and organised crime charges, to a police van outside the PJ headquarters in Zape yesterday. – Photo: Sherwin Hng
