Suncity boss Alvin Chau taken to police station for investigation

The Macau SAR Government confirmed this afternoon the local police has brought Suncity boss Alvin Chau Cheok Wa and other affiliates to the police station for further investigation, after the authorities in Mainland China’s Wenzhou city issued an arrest warrant for Chau last night over alleged cross-border gambling activities.

The Macau Government noted in a statement that it has received notifications from the mainland authorities that an arrest warrant was issued for Chau, who was allegedly involved in a cross-border gambling crime syndicate. The statement did not identify Chau by full name but only his surname.

“Based on the evidence collected from the previous criminal investigation, the SAR police have brought the suspect surnamed Chau and other people involved in the case back to the police station for further investigation this morning,” the statement read.

The statement did not immediately clarify how many people are involved and whether all are the shareholders or employees of Suncity Group, one of the largest junket operators in the city.

But Allinmedia, a Hong Kong and Macau-based media outlet, reported the local police has invited more than 10 people from Suncity Group, including Chau, “for assistance in the investigation” this morning.

Chau is the founder and CEO of Suncity Group, and also a leading figure in Hong Kong-listed Suncity Group Holdings Ltd, the listed arm of the junket operator.

The Macau Government continued in the statement: “All Macau gaming practitioners must strictly comply with the laws in Mainland China and Macau. For anyone breaching the Macau laws and regulations, [the Macau SAR Government] will pursue those responsible in accordance with the law with zero tolerance.”

In light of the arrest warrant for Chau, Suncity said in a statement earlier today that “all businesses are normally operating in accordance with the law and under the supervision of the Macau SAR Government.”