A 52-year-old unemployed mainland Chinese woman surnamed Fu has been arrested for using double-sided tape attached to her hand to steal casino chips in Cotai. She allegedly committed 10 thefts, stealing a total of HK$100,000 in chips. The operation was ultimately uncovered by casino security, and the Judiciary Police (PJ) have transferred her to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation.
According to police details, the suspect scouted for targets inside a Cotai casino on August 28, tailing a non-local high-roller. Taking advantage of the victim’s distraction during gameplay, Fu pretended to place bets at the same table. Using double-sided tape affixed to her right palm, she swept over the victim’s stacked chips, snagging a HK$10,000 chip off the top before walking away. She then returned periodically to repeat the tactic. The suspect struck 8 times on August 28 and twice on August 29, with the victim remaining entirely unaware throughout.
By the time the suspect attempted a second theft on the afternoon of the 29th, casino security guards noticed suspicious behavior and alerted the victim to check their gambling chips. Realizing a loss of HKD 100,000, the victim reported the incident to the Judiciary Police at around 5:00 PM.
Upon arriving at the scene, police officers escorted the suspect away for investigation. They seized HKD 26,000 in cash, HKD 2,000 in chips, and a balled-up piece of double-sided tape suspected to have been used in the crime. Judiciary Police spokesperson Leung Shuk-man confirmed that comprehensive evidence strongly indicates the suspect’s involvement. The individual has been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office under charges of aggravated theft, while authorities continue to trace the location of the remaining stolen funds.
