Corruption is out of control in Macau and triad societies are gaining more power in the world's biggest gambling centre, a former top Hong Kong policeman has warned.
Steve Vickers, who now heads security firm International Risk, told a British Chamber of Commerce breakfast that Beijing was becoming increasingly concerned at the number of officials spending corruptly obtained funds on the territory's gambling tables.
There were also reports of luxury gambling junkets by officials who had not passed through proper immigration channels, he said.
'This is of concern to the mainland government because this money is clearly the proceeds of corruption and money they should not be spending,' Mr Vickers said.
'Post-Olympics, the huge security mechanism which is currently focused on securing the Olympics will move to Macau. I would give it about 15 minutes for the Olympics to finish before there is a big focus on Macau.'
Triad societies were becoming increasingly gentrified and their tentacles of influence spreading deep into Macau's society. Mr Vickers said it was of concern that Hong Kong's powerful and well organised Sun Yee On triad society was focusing more attention on taking a greater cut of the enormous sums of money flooding the former Portuguese colony.