Police raided a suspected illegal gambling establishment in Tai Po on Monday, arresting 14 people and seizing gambling equipment.
The operation took place around 6 pm at 3 Tsui Yee Street, where officers targeted an underground location following thorough investigation.
A 45-year-old local man surnamed Poon was arrested for "operating a gambling establishment." Eleven local men and two local women, aged between 45 and 69, were arrested for "gambling in a gambling establishment."
During the raid, police confiscated four automatic mahjong tables, four sets of mahjong tiles, various furniture items, and HK$1,080 in cash.
The 45-year-old operator has been charged with "operating a gambling establishment," while 12 other suspects face charges of "gambling in a gambling establishment." All defendants are scheduled to appear at Fanling Magistrates' Court on October 21. One arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Under Hong Kong's Gambling Ordinance, operating a gambling establishment carries a maximum penalty of HK$5 million in fines and seven years' imprisonment, while gambling in such establishments can result in up to HK$30,000 in fines and nine months' imprisonment.
