The Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, today said the security authorities are paying close attention in relation to a first fraud case to involve use of artificial intelligence (AI) -enabled deepfake imagery, detected by the local authorities in April.
The police would intensify efforts in relation to prevention, victim support services, and law enforcement action, to curb all forms of fraudulent activity, he said.
Secretary Wong made the remarks at a press briefing to announce the crime figures and enforcement statistics recorded between January and March this year.
In the first quarter of 2025, the police initiated 3,289 criminal case investigations, a decrease of 260 cases (-7.3 percent) compared to the same period in 2024. Notable declines were observed in fraud and cybercrime.
Mr Wong noted that as Macao’s social conditions have returned to pre-pandemic levels, the security authorities would, starting from this year’s reporting, no longer make crime data comparisons in relation to 2019 figures.
The Secretary highlighted that the overall decline in total criminal cases compared to the same period last year reflected a stable and sound public security environment. However, novel criminal methods such as AI-related fraud have proliferated in recent years.
In late April this year, police received the first reported case in Macao involving AI-enabled deepfake images, where criminals used generated videos featuring face-swapping and voice-mimicking to impersonate local public figures and lure victims to fake investment platforms. As similar cases had previously occurred in neighbouring regions, the Macao police promptly conducted multichannel public awareness campaigns. No Macao residents have to date been reported as victims of this form of AI-generated video scam.
Severe violent crimes, drug-related offences, and crimes impacting livelihoods –such as theft and robbery – remained lower than 2024 levels. Property-related crimes totalled 1,949 cases (a 10.8-percent year-on-year drop). That tally included 555 fraud cases, i.e., down by 15.4 percent; 508 thefts; 10 robberies; 53 usury cases; and 33 extortion cases.
Violent crimes in the first quarter saw a 27.3-percent year-on-year decrease, to 56 cases, with severe offences such as kidnapping, homicide, and grievous bodily harm remaining at zero or minimal levels.
Regarding law enforcement strategies, the city-wide electronic surveillance system, commonly known as “Sky Eye”, assisted in investigating 2,302 cases in the first quarter, including serious violent crimes such as grievous bodily harm, robbery, and arson.
The sixth phase of the “Sky Eye” project was progressing smoothly and it was expected that installation would be completed by 2027, said Mr Wong. The system was also being deployed in New Urban Area Zone A.
Regarding the gaming industry’s influence on public security, Mr Wong pointed out that the enactment of the Law to Combat Crimes of Illegal Gambling, in late October 2024 – which introduced the new offence of “illegal currency exchange for gambling purposes” and adjusted the scope of related crimes – led to a temporary surge in illegal-gambling cases, with 161 recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Police would continue to strengthen preventive measures, enforcement, and monitoring in relation to such crimes, he added.
In the first three months of 2025, 567 gaming-related criminal investigations were initiated, marking an increase of 216 cases, or 61.5 percent, compared to the same period last year. This rise was attributed to the criminalisation of “illicit money exchange”, the dismantling – via joint security operations – of related criminal groups, and increased social uncertainties due to growing tourist numbers.
The security authorities would closely monitor trends in gaming-related crimes and enhance prevention and enforcement efforts to ensure the healthy development of Macao’s gaming industry and social stability.
Mr Wong said that police would continue to monitor local and international crime trends, formulate targeted strategies, deepen intelligence exchanges and law enforcement cooperation with neighbouring regions, and jointly combat illegal activities.
In the second half of 2025, Macao will host major events including the 8th Legislative Assembly Election, the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. The security authorities have commenced preparatory work, analysing risks and adjusting policing strategies, to ensure the smooth presentation of these events.
