Singapore launches police unit against casino crime

Former director of security at The Venetian in Macau, Superintendent Michael Ang, was named head of the Casino Crime Investigation Branch (CCIB) of the Singapore police’s Criminal Investigation Department, AFP reported.
The dedicated police unit was launched yesterday to investigate crimes related to the city-state’s first two casinos, which are due to open soon.
“In preparation for the opening of the integrated resorts in Singapore, CCIB has been training its officers and formulating internal procedures and protocols in the area of casino crime investigation,” a police statement in Singapore said.
It also said the unit’s officers have been sent overseas, including to Macau and Las Vegas, for training and to attend conferences.
Singapore, one of Asia’s safest cities, has been taking steps to allay public concerns over potential social ills related to casino gambling.
Resorts World Sentosa, which has been built by Malaysian gaming giant Genting at a former British military outpost, opened four premium hotels last week to prepare for the launch of a casino and a Universal Studios theme park.
Marina Bay Sands, which is being built by Las Vegas Sands, is expected to start operations in April.
Singapore gave the go ahead for casino gambling in 2005, setting off a flurry of construction that went ahead despite last year’s recession.
The government hopes the casinos will boost the country’s overseas appeal and draw more visitors as it relies mainly on man-made attractions to entice tourists.
The number of tourists visiting Singapore rose in November after slumping during the recession, but overall 2009 arrivals are expected to fall to 9.5 million from 10.1 million in 2008.