Suspected Macau gang boss 'Broken Tooth' Wan Kuok-koi is facing up to nine more months behind bars after a panel of judges rejected his appeal against pre-trial detention.
Wan's lawyer Pedro Redinha confirmed that he had been notified yesterday of the court's decision, which is expected to be announced officially by Supreme Court Judge Sebastiao Jose Coutinho Povoas next week.
Wan, 43, whom police allege is the head of the enclave's 14K triad society, is facing charges of criminal association which, if proved, could see him jailed for between eight and 15 years.
Defence lawyers had hoped to secure his release on bail pending the trial, which could take up to nine months to come to court.
The Macau and Chinese authorities are under strong pressure to tackle the problem of organised crime ahead of the enclave's handover in December next year.
Mr Wan has been held in a one-man cell under armed guard in Coloane Island prison since May 4.
