Triad’s monopoly in lunchbox business revealed as 181 arrested in anti-crime operations

A total of 181 people were arrested for illegal activities of triad societies, including some that were found to be involved in the monopoly of the lunchbox business at construction sites in Yuen Long and the operation of an unlicensed food factory. 

Police, alongside the Fire Services Department and the Immigration Department, initiated Operation Hotpursuit back in May and busted two vice establishments, three gambling dens, two unlicensed bars, and an illegal gas station between Sunday and Wednesday. 

During the operation, 102 men and 72 women aged 16 to 70 were arrested for operating gambling establishments without a license, operating vice establishments, and selling alcohol without a license. 

Police also found some of the arrestees were related to the monopoly of the lunchbox business at construction sites in Yuen Long. Investigations revealed that the triad would charge lunchbox traders a one-off operating fee of HK$10,000 and then a monthly fee ranging between HK$1,000 and HK$3,000. 

The triad would also charge traders HK$5 for every lunchbox sold and earn at least HK$500,000 every month. Their annual revenue could reach up to HK$2.6 million, police said, giving the example of a 200-strong construction site. 

If traders refuse to cooperate, they would be threatened, beaten, or have their tools damaged by the triad. 

Police in May sent four officers to go undercover as lunchbox traders, and one of them came into contact with suspected triad members. The undercover cop was verbally threatened and dispersed by those triad members and was forced to pay “rent.” 

Further investigations revealed that the lunchboxes provided by the triad came from an unlicensed food factory. Police and staffers from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department then busted the factory located in Lok Ma Chau yesterday (Wed) and arrested a 56-year-old woman for operating an unlicensed food factory. 

Officers also made spot checks at construction sites on Kam Sheung Road and arrested two men and a woman aged 34 to 42 for hawking without a license and obstruction in a public place. 

Police then raided several premises in the Yuen Long on Thursday morning and arrested two men aged 29 ad 39 for claiming to be office-bearers of a triad society and criminal intimidation. Both were remanded in custody. 

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