Police smash $600m money-laundering syndicate linked to triads, arrest 155

In a major crackdown on organized crime, Hong Kong police have arrested 155 individuals, including a prominent triad leader, for their involvement in a massive money-laundering syndicate that allegedly cleaned over HK$600 million in criminal proceeds across a four-year period.

The operation was launched after financial investigations revealed a local triad society leader was directing family members and syndicate members to launder illicit funds through a complex web of various bank accounts and shell companies.

Police said to infiltrate the organization, undercover officers were deployed into venues controlled by the triad leader.

Superintendent Chan Chung-yan of the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau said the investigation uncovered two primary sources of the gang's illegal revenue: the sale of narcotics to patrons in bars and the operation of unlicensed bars and illegal gambling dens.

The syndicate operated several licensed upstairs bars in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. To evade police detection, these venues were heavily fortified with locked doors and lookouts.

She said young members were deployed inside to befriend patrons and subsequently lure them into consuming and purchasing drugs, such as cocaine and etomidate.

Furthermore, the crime group established unlicensed bars and gambling facilities in commercial and industrial buildings across multiple districts, using free food and drinks as a lure for gamblers.

In a large-scale enforcement action between August 21 and 29, police raided 15 entertainment venues, including these bars and illegal gambling dens.

A weapons arsenal was also uncovered in a Jordan premises, leading to the seizure of an array of weapons including cleavers, knives, and telescopic batons.

The operation confiscated HK$420,000 in cash, over HK$200,000 worth of narcotics, and gambling equipment valued at approximately HK$1.8 million.

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The 155 arrested—89 men and 66 women aged between 16 and 76—include the triad leader and core members of the criminal group.

They have been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including money laundering, trafficking in dangerous drugs, possession of offensive weapons, claiming to be a triad member, operating unlawful gambling establishments, and unlicensed sale of alcoholic beverages.