The statement issued by the Macau casino operator on Wednesday response to a recently reported case involving an online gambling group that had illegitimately exploited the brand name “Sands Macao”.

The case was being investigated by the Public Security Department in Guangdong province.

“Sands China wishes to clarify that the website using the name ‘Sands Macao’… is not in any way affiliated with the Sands Macao property located on the Macau peninsula and owned by Sands China Ltd,” the company stated.

Sands China added that the online gambling group being investigated by the Guangdong security unit – which the company identified as “Sands Online Gambling Corp” – had exploited the company’s “property name and trademarks” without permission and was in breach of the law.

“Sands China does not engage in online gaming activities of any kind and vigorously pursues all reports of trademark infringement,” the company added.

It has also noted: “All websites purporting to offer online gaming using the company brands are fraudulent and should be reported to the relevant authorities immediately.”

Guangdong’s Public Security Department said on April 8 that it had urged its residents involved in “cross-border gambling crimes” to “turn themselves in” to the authorities by April 30.

Editing by Rachel Hu