Mong Kok District Special Duty Squad conducted an anti-gambling operation codenamed "FULLBOOM" on Wednesday, raiding a premises on Sai Yeung Choi Street South and dismantling a suspected illegal baccarat gambling den.
During the operation, officers arrested 15 people including three female operators aged 58 to 64 on suspicion of "managing a gambling establishment" and "assisting in operating a gambling establishment." They have been charged with one count each of "operating a gambling establishment" and "assisting in operating a gambling establishment."
Three men and five women aged 26 to 62 were arrested on suspicion of "gambling in a gambling establishment" and have been jointly charged with one count of "gambling in a gambling establishment." Their case will be heard at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on the morning of October 11.
One man and three women aged 20 to 62 were also arrested on suspicion of "gambling in a gambling establishment" and have been released on bail pending further investigation, required to report to police in early October.
Police confiscated two baccarat tables, chips valued at approximately HK$30,000, HK$40,000 in cash and various gambling utensils during the operation.
Police reiterated that under Chapter 148 of the Hong Kong Gambling Ordinance, operating a gambling establishment and gambling within such establishments are serious offences. The former carries a maximum penalty of HK$5 million fine and seven years' imprisonment upon conviction, while the latter carries a maximum penalty of HK$30,000 fine and nine months' imprisonment. Police urged the public to abide by the law and strictly comply with relevant regulations, emphasizing continued strict enforcement against illegal activities.
