Macao police have nabbed two suspects on casino loan-sharking charges, local press reported Thursday.

The Macao Daily News quoted police sources as saying the police Wednesday captured the suspects at a local casino where they were found "aiding" a Hong Kong gambler in betting.

The duo, holding Macao identification cards, has earlier offered the victim loans worth 40,000 patacas (US$5,000) and demanded "a commission" of 25 percent, the sources told the newspaper.

The suspects have been transferred to the Public Prosecution for further investigations and possible arraignment, said the report.

Loan sharking has long been a common crime in Macao, a world famous casino gaming hut.

(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2007)