Macau court upholds 18-year sentence for former Suncity Group CEO Alvin Chau??

Jenny Ortiz July 5, 2024

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Macau court upholds 18-year sentence for former Suncity Group CEO Alvin Chau??

Macau’s Court of Final Appeal has rejected the appeal of Alvin Chau, former CEO of Suncity Group, solidifying his 18-year prison sentence. This decision, announced on Wednesday, also dismissed the appeals of eight other co-defendants.???

The original sentences, handed down by the Court of Second Instance, ranged from nine to 18 years for Chau and his associates, including Si Tou Chi Hou, Cheung Yat Ping Ellute, Ali Celestino, Cheong Chi Kin, Chau Chun Hee, Lou Seak Fong, Wong Pak Ling Philip, and Leong Su Weng. The appeals court maintained these sentences despite the defendants’ efforts to seek leniency.

Rejected prosecution appeal

In addition to denying the defendants’ appeals, the court also rejected the prosecution’s bid for harsher penalties. Last November, prosecutors had attempted to reinstate a fraud conviction against several defendants, a charge previously overturned by the intermediate court.

Financial repercussions

Under the upheld ruling, Chau and his co-defendants must collectively pay HKD24.865 billion (€2.9 billion) to the Macao Special Administrative Region. This substantial financial penalty underscores the gravity of their crimes, which encompass illicit gambling operations and involvement in a criminal organization.

Chau’s unsuccessful plea for clemency

Following his initial sentencing in January 2023, Alvin Chau sought to reduce his punishment through an appeal. He went as far as to write an open letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping in December 2023, depicting himself as a pivotal figure in Macau’s transformation from a “small fishing port” to a “world centre of tourism and leisure.” However, this plea did not sway the judicial authorities.

Impact on Macau’s junket operations

Chau’s downfall, alongside other notable gambling figures like Levo Chan, has prompted a significant crackdown on junket operations within Macau. The government has intensified its regulatory measures, aiming to curb illegal activities that have long been associated with the junket sector.

The decision by the Court of Final Appeal not only cements Alvin Chau’s lengthy prison term but also sends a clear message about Macau’s stance on illegal gambling and financial crimes. The case marks a critical juncture in the city’s efforts to regulate and reform its gambling industry, ensuring a more transparent and lawful operational environment for the future.

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