Macau arrests three over MOP118 million proxy-buying scam
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Macau's Judiciary Police said on September 23 that they had broken up an alleged proxy-buying fraud ring and arrested three suspects after 11 victims reported combined losses of about MOP118 million. Investigators said the suspected scheme ran from 2019, using a supermarket operation and online group chats to attract supermarket operators, retailers and proxy buyers before goods were withheld and refunds denied.
Key Points
- Police said reports were received between May and September, with individual losses ranging from MOP136,000 to MOP92 million across 11 victims.
- The three arrested were a 45-year-old mainland Chinese woman surnamed Tam (譚), believed to be the ringleader, and two Macau residents surnamed Ip and I, aged 55 and 35.
- Investigators said Tam had operated since 2019, previously running a supermarket in northern Macau and using products such as ginseng, cordyceps and mooncakes as bait
- The alleged tactics included fake bulk orders staged in messaging app groups, supposed high-return joint investments with friends and relatives, and low-price offers to induce larger orders.
- Police said the money moved through multiple Macau bank accounts, including eight account groups, before some funds were transferred to the mainland; nearly MOP50 million was allegedly spent by Tam personally.
Why It Matters
The case shows how cross-border trading and informal proxy-buying networks can be exploited through messaging platforms, advance payments and repeated small transactions that build false confidence. For Hong Kong readers who shop through parallel traders or personal buyers, the investigation is a reminder that promised discounts, fast turnover and private payment arrangements can carry major fraud and money-laundering risks.