Police have arrested 18 people during an operation targeting an illegal debt collection syndicate across multiple Hong Kong districts between November 6 and 17.
Officers from the Sau Mau Ping district anti-triad unit conducted Operation FORBIDARMS, apprehending 13 local men and five local women aged 18 to 61 for various offenses including possession of property-damaging items, conspiracy to commit criminal damage, criminal damage and criminal intimidation.
The investigation began with the November 6 arrest of a 29-year-old man carrying red paint in a public housing estate. Police later identified four core members aged 18 to 31 who allegedly used messaging apps to recruit and direct others for illegal debt collection activities.
The remaining 13 suspects are linked to 14 criminal damage and intimidation cases. All arrested individuals have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Authorities warned against participating in illegal activities for quick money, noting criminal damage carries maximum 10-year imprisonment while criminal intimidation carries five-year maximum penalties.
