According to the Judiciary Police (PJ), the group had been operating since 2019 and is believed to have generated illicit profits of up to MOP 790 million since 2024 alone. The saunas operated under the guise of spa and massage services but were allegedly used to recruit women from Asia and Eastern Europe to provide sexual services.
Clients reportedly paid between MOP 2,000 and MOP 8,000 per session. Prices were determined according to the women’s nationality and the services provided, while the women received between MOP 1,000 and MOP 2,000 per transaction.
During the operation, carried out yesterday, investigators searched three saunas, five offices and 23 locations linked to the network. Assets worth approximately MOP 50 million were seized, along with a large quantity of equipment used in the criminal activity and accounting records.
In total, 381 people were taken in for questioning, including cross-border workers, illegal workers, overstayers and women involved in the provision of sexual services.
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The PJ said the organisation had developed sophisticated measures to avoid police detection, allegedly due to the involvement of individuals connected to law enforcement agencies. The serving and former officers under suspicion are believed to have accepted bribes in exchange for warning the network about police operations and inspections. Since the beginning of 2024, each of the five suspects is alleged to have received more than MOP 3 million.
The 26 detainees are residents of Macau, mainland China and Hong Kong. Among them are the alleged ringleader and 25 individuals considered key members of the organisation’s structure.
PJ and PSP pledge zero tolerance
Following the investigation, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) confirmed that three of its officers had been named as suspects and referred to the Public Prosecutions Office. The force expressed its “shock and deep regret” over the case and pledged full cooperation with the PJ investigation and judicial authorities.
The PSP also stated that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the officers involved, who have been suspended from duty as a preventive measure. The force pledged to review its supervisory mechanisms, address management shortcomings and strengthen internal safeguards to prevent similar incidents.
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The PSP said it had issued immediate instructions across all ranks to ensure strict compliance with the law, while reinforcing integrity training and internal control mechanisms. The force reiterated its “zero-tolerance” stance toward legal or disciplinary violations, regardless of the rank of those involved.
The Judiciary Police also expressed “serious concern” over the alleged involvement of former personnel in criminal activities. The PJ stressed that it likewise maintains a policy of “zero tolerance” toward illegal conduct and assured that the case would be handled impartially and without preferential treatment.
Under the guidance of the judicial authorities, the investigation will continue. The PJ vowed to act “without leniency” should additional serving or retired officers be identified as being involved in the case. The force’s leadership has also ordered all departments to review their internal supervision and management mechanisms in order to identify weaknesses and prevent future incidents.
