Under the arrangement of the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), 20 officers from the Crime Wing and Regions attended a gaming-related crime fighting workshop in Macao from February 20 to 22.

The workshop, the fourth of its kind, was organised by the Gaming-related Crimes Division of the Macao Judiciary Police (MJP) to enhance the officers' capabilities in combating cross-boundary loan sharking syndicates and money laundering activities. The workshop drew a record number of participants and was extended to officers from Regions for the first time.

The workshop covered a wide range of topics, such as the trend of loan sharking and money laundering as well as cross-boundary enforcement strategies. The MJP led the Force delegates to visit security co-ordination centres in casinos to get a better understanding of the joint efforts of the MJP and casinos in curbing loan sharking and fraudulent practices. The delegates and the MJP also exchanged knowledge and experience in investigating these types of crimes.

The delegates said the workshop has strengthened their capabilities and confidence in investigating gaming-related and money laundering-related crimes. Both the Force and the MJP hope to maintain regular contact to develop a closer partnership.