The Macau Prosecutor’s Office has taken a significant step by filing an appeal with the Court of Final Appeal, urging the reinstatement of fraud charges against the former Chairman of the now-collapsed junket, Suncity Group. The appeal challenges a prior decision by the Macau Court of Second Instance that had upheld an appeal by the former Chairman and other senior Suncity members against fraud charges related to allegations of “betting under the table” in Suncity’s junket rooms. The latest development seeks to bring back the original charges of significant fraud, asserting that the defendants should face higher penalties, including reinstating substantial compensation to Macau’s concessionaires.
Background:
In October, the Court of Second Instance ruled in favor of the appeal by the former Chairman and other Suncity members, overturning charges of fraud. This decision relieved them of the obligation to compensate Macau’s concessionaires for alleged losses. However, the total amount payable to the Macau government was increased to HK$25 billion (US$3.2 billion) due to new money laundering charges.
Current Appeal:
The recent appeal by the Public Prosecutor’s Office challenges the Court of Second Instance’s decision and seeks to uphold the original charge of significant fraud by the Court of First Instance. Additionally, the Prosecutor’s Office advocates for higher penalties, including the reinstatement of HK$2.08 billion (US$266 million) in compensation to be paid back to Macau’s concessionaires.
Legal Proceedings:
The former Chairman, arrested in November 2021 on charges of fraud, triad offenses, and illegal gambling, faced a six-month trial in the Court of First Instance. On January 18, 2023, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison and ordered to compensate five concessionaires, including Wynn Macau, Galaxy Entertainment Group, MGM China, Sands China, and SJM. Both the Prosecutor’s Office and the former Chairman appealed the judgment to the Court of Second Instance, which dismissed the fraud charge but upheld the 18-year prison sentence and increased the total compensation owed to HK$25 billion, entirely payable to the government.
The ongoing legal saga surrounding the former Chairman of Suncity Group continues as the Macau Prosecutor’s Office seeks to reinstate fraud charges and enhance penalties. The appeal to the Court of Final Appeal underscores the determination to uphold the integrity of the legal process and ensure accountability for alleged offenses. As the case unfolds, it adds another layer to the intricate legal landscape in Macau’s gaming industry.