Authorities in Macao have arrested a 43‑year‑old Indonesian domestic helper, surnamed Srirosmulyati, on suspicion of operating an unlicensed moneylending business that exploited numerous migrant laborers and amassed significant unlawful earnings. Investigators claim she lent a total of 170,000 patacas (MOP) to at least 60 non‑resident workers over the course of a year, collecting roughly 90,000 patacas in interest.
Police explained that the matter surfaced earlier this month when one of the borrowers approached them for assistance. That individual had borrowed 4,000 patacas between October and November of last year to pay for a relative’s emergency medical treatment. According to allegations, the lender held on to the borrower’s passport as security until the original sum was paid back, while imposing a steep monthly interest rate of 20 percent. After handing over 600 patacas in interest and finding it difficult to continue payments, the worker required the passport to switch employment but was denied its return, leading to a formal complaint.
Following the report, officers traced the suspect to a residence in San Kio district, where they recovered 51 passports and a single blue identification card connected to about 50 people. Additional questioning brought to light other clients who confirmed receiving loans ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 patacas. Law enforcement noted that since December 2024 she had been disbursing loans of between 500 and 5,000 patacas, releasing travel documents only once the principal amount had been settled in full.
Srirosmulyati now stands accused of usury and illegally withholding identity papers. The investigation has been forwarded to the Public Prosecutions Office for prosecution.
