Macau Police Deputy Chief Detained in Prostitution Ring Probe

A senior Macau police official has been detained in connection with an investigation into alleged prostitution syndicates operating behind sauna businesses, in a case that has drawn attention because of the involvement of law enforcement personnel.

Macau authorities said police recently broke up three organized groups suspected of controlling prostitution activities under the cover of sauna venues. A total of 26 people from Macau, mainland China and Hong Kong were arrested.

Among those detained is Leong Heng Hong, deputy commissioner of Macau’s Public Security Police Force, according to local reports. Prosecutors said 12 suspects have been placed in pretrial detention, including three serving members of Macau’s security forces. The others were placed under different compulsory measures while the investigation continues.

The suspects are being investigated for offenses including organized crime, control of prostitution, bribery and related crimes. Macau’s prosecution authorities said detention was ordered because of the seriousness of the alleged organized-crime activity and the risk that suspects could flee or interfere with the case.

The case is unusually sensitive for Macau, a city whose economy relies heavily on tourism, casinos and entertainment venues, and where policing of nightlife and vice-related activity is closely watched. Allegations that serving police personnel may have been involved in shielding or participating in such operations could raise broader questions about internal discipline and oversight within the security apparatus.

Macau’s Judiciary Police have said the investigation is continuing. Authorities have not released full details of the alleged command structure of the groups or the precise roles played by each suspect.