Hong Kong Island police arrest 86 in major anti-triad sweep

In a significant blow against organized crime, Hong Kong Island police have arrested 86 individuals during a large-scale, two-week operation targeting triad activities and their illicit revenue streams.

The operation, codenamed "ROUSEWIT," was conducted by the Hong Kong Island Regional Command in collaboration with various district units. Running from August 18 to September 1, the operation aimed to disrupt the illegal operations and funding sources of triad societies.

Those arrested, comprising 66 men and 20 women aged between 17 and 65, are apprehended for a wide range of offenses. Police confirmed that some of those detained have known links to triads.

The charges include operating or taking part in illegal gambling establishments, trafficking in and possession of dangerous drugs. Additional charges encompass criminal damage, assault, breaching conditions of stay, possessing offensive weapons, theft, obtaining property by deception, and handling stolen goods.

Senior Inspector Ng Ka-lun of the Hong Kong Island regional anti-triad unit highlighted a concerning trend discovered during the raids.

He said police once again discovered drugs involving etomidate, adding that the force will continue to adopt intelligence-led enforcement actions to vigorously combat etomidate-related drug crimes.

The operation also revealed an evolution in triad criminal enterprises.

Beyond their traditional involvement in vice, gambling, and narcotics, police found evidence of their participation in fraud and money laundering schemes. This includes cases involving the use of "stooge accounts" to launder criminal proceeds.

In one particular case in the Central District, a triad syndicate is alleged to have defrauded