SINGAPORE: Singapore on Wednesday launched a dedicated police unit to investigate crimes related to the city-state’s first two casinos, which are due to open soon.

Superintendent Michael Ang, former director of security at The Venetian in Macau, was named head of the Casino Crime Investigation Branch (CCIB) of the police’s Criminal Investigation Department.

“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 said.

It 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 last November.