57 arrested for running illegal bookmaking sites and money laundering

Police announced on Monday that they had arrested 57 people, including five who were the core members of the most active local illegal bookmaking websites.

Among the arrestees, 20 were reported to have assisted in operating the bookmaking websites by acting as middlemen or being involved in money laundering through stooge accounts.

The 49 men and eight women, aged between 18 and 74, were suspected of conspiracy to facilitate bookmaking and money laundering. Most of them were released on bail pending investigation.

Some were found to have triad backgrounds.

Police said that since the beginning of this year, the five websites have collected more than HK$460 million in illegal online gambling deposits. Approximately HK$160 million in different betting records were also found on the electronic devices of the middlemen and their online accounts.

Some were said to have handed over their FPS, bank and Stored Value Facility Accounts to the group for money laundering.

Officers stated that as the UEFA Euro tournament is ongoing, the amount of betting on football matches would be relatively high based on past experiences, and they urge the public to make bets through legal means.