Ex-Macau Legislator Jailed for Leaking Casino License Information

Au Kam San, a former Macau legislator, has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison in the territory’s first public national security prosecution. The case alleges that he leaked confidential information about casino licensing discussions to outside organizations in Macau. Macau Casino Licensing Leak Leads to 12.5-Year Prison Sentence Following a closed-door trial in September, the 69-year-old was convicted on Friday, November 6. Charges included subversion, making contact with outside organizations to endanger national security and breaching rules of official secrecy, as reported by Bloomberg. The allegations include information Au received in 2021 while working in the Legislative Assembly’s Follow-up Committee for Land and Public Concessions Affairs. The committee held secret talks on the renewal of Macau’s casino operating licenses. Au shared information from the meetings with groups outside the territory, the court said. However, authorities did not identify the recipients or say exactly what material he shared. The case is reminiscent of a massive overhaul of Macau’s gambling industry. In 2022, the government granted all six existing casino operators new 10-year concessions. Deals were done with companies linked to big global gaming groups such as Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts. The new licenses went into effect in January 2023. Au was separately sentenced to nine months’ jail for the confidentiality breach. However, the court also found him guilty of more serious national security charges and sentenced him to a total of 12.5 years in prison. Au Kam San Case Raises Concerns Over Macau’s Political Climate The casino licensing charges are just one aspect of a wider prosecution against the ex-politician. Judges also found evidence that Au had worked with unnamed overseas organizations between 2023 and 2024. He was accused of helping to gather and circulate what it said was false or politically damaging information. The authorities said the activities were aimed at promoting opposition to Beijing, influencing foreign governments and interfering in Macau’s leadership election in 2024. This prosecution is the first publicly known case initiated under Macau’s national security law, which was introduced in 2009 and significantly expanded in 2023. Au served in the legislature in Macau for two decades, from 2001 to 2021. Before entering politics, he worked as a teacher and became involved in democracy activism following China’s 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. His prosecution has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and legal representatives. The trial raised serious questions about due process and could deter peaceful criticism of the government, said Human Rights Watch. Virginia Cheang, Au’s wife, also said the case was politically motivated. His family previously raised concerns about limitations on communication and access to independent legal representation. The court said Au had legal counsel and could exercise his right to defend himself. It also permitted the family to visit regularly after the verdict. The government in Macau has defended the ruling and reiterated its commitment to implementing national security legislation.