14 triad-linked gambling dens in HK smashed, 81 arrested

Police said today that they had arrested 81 people and closed down 14 triad-linked gambling dens in Wan Chai and Eastern District.

During the crackdown, police arrested 51 men and 30 women, aged between 21 and 77, including the mastermind and core members of the group.

The offenses involved include “managing a gambling establishment”, “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” [money laundering], “drug trafficking”, and “possession of offensive weapon.”

Police said the group had taken advantage of the closure of game centers to operate such illegal gambling dens in units of residential or commercial buildings, with persons of non-Chinese ethnicity or those who have overstayed in Hong Kong operating the venues.

“The illegal gamblings were flavored with drugs, one could only enter being endorsed by another frequent guest. Most of their transactions were done online, which made it more difficult to conduct investigations,” said the police spokesman.

During the operation, HK$41,000 in cash was seized, along with HK$40,000 worth of drugs. Police also fined 62 of the suspects for violating rules that banned gatherings of more than two people.