This was at the early stage of the liberalization of gaming licenses, when the gaming and tourism industry developed very quickly and opportunities were everywhere.
Suncity Group, which describes itself as a gambling sector investment company with hotel and other retail assets, has sought to draw a distinction between its businesses and Chau's junket operations, but analysts see them as inextricably linked.
Born to an American father and Malaysian-Chinese mother, Lieu became a model at 17 and came to Hong Kong a year later.